As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championship approaches, the collegiate water polo community is abuzz with anticipation. This season has showcased remarkable talent, intense competition, and a few surprises, setting the stage for an exciting culmination at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis on May 11.
Season Structure: How It Works
Unlike many NCAA sports, women’s water polo features a single National Collegiate Championship that includes teams from Divisions I, II, and III. The tournament comprises nine teams: six automatic qualifiers from conference championships and three at-large selections. The conferences represented are:
- Big West Conference
- Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA)
- Golden Coast Conference (GCC)
- Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC)
- Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF)
- Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Teams earn their spots by winning their respective conference tournaments or receiving at-large bids based on season performance. The championship follows a single-elimination format, culminating in the national title match.
Season Highlights
UCLA’s Triumphant Return
UCLA clinched its eighth national title in 2024, defeating California 7–4 in the championship game. This victory marked a significant comeback for the Bruins, who had last won the title in 2009. Their journey included a notable semifinal win over Stanford, ending the Cardinal’s bid for a third consecutive championship.
Emerging Contenders
Teams like Hawaii, Fresno State, and Princeton have made significant strides this season. Hawaii, representing the Big West Conference, and Fresno State from the GCC have demonstrated strong performances, while Princeton continues to be a dominant force in the CWPA.
Historic Dominance
California schools have historically dominated the NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championship. Stanford leads with nine titles, followed closely by UCLA with eight, and USC with six. Notably, no team from outside California has ever reached the championship game, highlighting the state’s stronghold on the sport.
Championship Coverage
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championship will be broadcast live on ESPNU and ESPN+ on Sunday, May 11, at 12 p.m. ET. This collaboration between USA Water Polo and ESPN aims to bring greater visibility to the sport and its athletes.
Teams to Watch
- UCLA Bruins: As the defending champions, UCLA enters the tournament with momentum and a deep roster.
- Stanford Cardinal: With a history of success, Stanford remains a perennial contender.
- USC Trojans: USC’s consistent performance makes them a formidable opponent.
- California Golden Bears: After reaching the finals in 2024, Cal aims to capture the title this year.
- Hawaii Rainbow Wahine: Representing the Big West, Hawaii has shown strong potential throughout the season.
As the championship approaches, fans can expect high-caliber matches, showcasing the skill and dedication of collegiate athletes. The tournament not only crowns a national champion but also highlights the growth and competitiveness of women’s water polo across the nation.
Learn more at: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/waterpolo-women
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!