Notre Dame Women's Water Polo Team
University of Notre Dame
About Notre Dame Women's Water Polo Team
Founded in 1995 by three determined students at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN, the Women's Water Polo Team emerged from a simple request to the men's team captain for their own competitive opportunity. What began as fourteen women attending practices three weeks to meet a challenge has evolved into a thriving program of twenty-five athletes representing one of the original members of the CWPA's Midwestern division. The team's origin story reflects a commitment to inclusion and opportunity, values that continue to define the program today.
The Notre Dame Women's Water Polo Team serves current students from Notre Dame, Saint Mary's, and Holy Cross, welcoming both experienced athletes and those new to the sport. The program embraces a philosophy of competitive excellence balanced with accessibility, using the fall semester to teach fundamentals and team strategy to players at all levels. This inclusive approach has made the team a vibrant part of the Notre Dame community while maintaining competitive standards that have kept the program nationally recognized.
Beyond competition, the team builds meaningful relationships and traditions among its members. The program's commitment to developing student-athletes extends to recruiting high school students considering Notre Dame, offering prospective athletes the opportunity to learn about collegiate water polo in a supportive environment. With a strong tradition in South Bend and a legacy spanning nearly thirty years, the Notre Dame Women's Water Polo Team continues seeking dedicated teammates who want to contribute to this established program while experiencing the camaraderie and personal growth that comes from competing at the club level.