Your Guide to Women’s College Water Polo Recruiting

Women’s water polo is a growing sport in the U.S., with high school participation increasing by 18% from 2009 to 2019. As competition rises, student-athletes aiming for a college roster spot will need to master the recruiting process. From NCAA rules to what college coaches look for, this guide covers all the essentials to help recruits navigate the college water polo recruiting landscape.

Get Familiar with the NCAA Women’s Water Polo Recruiting Rules and Calendar

The NCAA regulates recruiting to create a fair and positive experience for all. For water polo, coaches can’t contact recruits until June 15 after their sophomore year, and official visits are allowed only after August 1 of junior year. Knowing these dates helps student-athletes stay on track and plan interactions with college programs effectively.

Learn more about the NCAA water polo recruiting rules and calendar.

Do You Have What It Takes to Play College Water Polo?

Around 8% of high school water polo athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level, with about 3% joining Division 1 teams. Given the limited number of programs—66 NCAA and one NAIA—competition is high, not only among U.S. athletes but also internationally. College coaches seek athletes with specific skills, competitive experience, and strong academics.

See what college coaches look for in water polo recruits.

How to Get Recruited and Secure a Water Polo Scholarship

Women’s water polo is an equivalency sport, meaning coaches have a set scholarship budget they can distribute among athletes as partial scholarships. While Division 1 and 2 programs offer up to eight scholarships per team, fully funded programs are rare. Academic scholarships, grants, and work-study options are also available to help cover tuition. Understanding your scholarship opportunities is essential for navigating the recruiting process effectively.

Learn more about water polo scholarship opportunities.

See Upcoming Women’s Water Polo Camps

Water polo camps provide valuable exposure and training opportunities, especially for athletes outside the East and West Coasts, where most programs are concentrated. Camps hosted on college campuses allow student-athletes to learn from college coaches, compete against other top recruits, and explore potential schools firsthand.

Find a water polo camp near you.

Find Colleges with Women’s Water Polo Programs

The majority of NCAA women’s water polo programs are located on the East and West Coasts, with a few others in the Midwest. When researching schools, it’s important to consider factors such as athletic division, campus size, academic strengths, and social environment. For example, recruits interested in smaller Division 1 schools may find options on the East Coast, while those drawn to larger campuses should look to the West Coast.

View the complete list of women’s water polo colleges.

NCAA Women’s Water Polo Rankings

Selecting a college program that matches an athlete’s goals is a personal decision, often based on factors like academics, location, cost, and athletics. To help, we’ve created a ranking system that highlights the best NCAA women’s water polo programs based on criteria that matter most to student-athletes and their families.

Explore top-ranked women’s water polo programs.

This guide provides a roadmap to help families and student-athletes confidently navigate the water polo recruiting process, focusing on finding the right college fit for both athletic and academic success.