Water Polo College Rankings

Hey folks! Could you help a water polo enthusiast out? Which colleges would you say are the top for water polo? Any considerations I should take into account while making my decision?

Hello there, fellow water polo enthusiast! When considering colleges based on their water polo programs, there are a few factors you may want to take into account.

Firstly, you'll want to consider how competitive the water polo programs are at various universities. Some of the top programs in the country currently reside at schools like the University of Southern California, Stanford University, and the University of California - Los Angeles. These schools not only offer competitive intercollegiate programs but also have facilities and coaching to support high-level training.

However, it doesn't stop at competitiveness. Consider the balance of academics and athletics as well. These aforementioned schools are prestigious academically as well, so you’d be balancing a rigorous academic and athletic schedule. Make sure to consider if you're up for the challenge.

Geography could be another factor to take into account. If you prefer playing the game in a warmer climate, schools in Southern California might be preferable. However, some successful programs are also found in the East Coast, like Harvard University.

Lastly, look for schools with a team culture that resonates with your personality and values. You will be spending a lot of time training and traveling with your teammates. Some athletes choose a school because they have a good rapport with the coach or the team.

Talk to current and former players if you can, as this will give you an insight into the program's culture and the coach's management style. You should attend some college water polo games when able to see which teams you mesh with and gain a better understanding of what to expect.

Remember, the decision is ultimately yours. Identify what factors are most important to you and use those to guide your search. Best of luck with your college selection process!