Dominating the Pool: Men's Club Water Polo Secures an Undefeated Season and Wins National Collegiate Club Championship Again!

Written By: Rachel Ribeiro

The Tritons have done it again! In the 2023 Men's National Collegiate Club Championship, UCSD Men's Club Water Polo took first place, continuing their reign as the dominant team in the pool for the second year in a row. In the final match of the tournament, UC San Diego (ranked No.1) faced the University of Florida (ranked No.6) on November 12, 2023, in Kearns, UT.  

It was an exciting game from start to finish, with the Tritons scoring in the first 15 seconds and securing a 12-8 win over the Gators. This victory was made even more impressive by the fact that half of the 21 Tritons athletes who traveled to Nationals were first-time UCSD Club Water Polo players.

“The beginning of the game against Florida was similar to our games the rest of the season—with us in control,” said Matthew Spry, a Sophomore majoring in Structural Engineering. “For virtually the entire season, there was rarely ever a point where victory did not seem assured, and this is a testament to the hard work of the players, coaches, and alumni who built up the program to this level.” 

The team’s success was no coincidence, but rather a result of the coach and athletes’ talent, as well as their dedication to one another. Before Coach Sanchez's arrival, the Men's Club Water Polo program finished in 9th place as a 16th seed in the 2013 National Championships. However, after Sanchez became the head coach in 2015, he led the team to its first division championship in 2018. Since then, 49 different athletes have traveled to National Tournaments, with more than half of them returning with the National Championship title.

“As the No. 1 team and defending champions, there is always pressure to win the championship. However, this year in the build-up to Nationals I felt a sense of calm. Winning the previous year just lifted so much pressure I had put on myself over the previous couple of seasons. I felt like I got to enjoy the journey to the championship this season,” said Coach Sanchez. 

And, what a journey it was for the Men’s Club Water Polo team as they washed the competition away in an undefeated season. With such a successful season behind them, the question now arises — what’s next for the team?

“The next step for the team is further solidifying team chemistry in the off-season to secure the 3-peat dynasty next year,” said Spry. 

With team chemistry top-of-mind, the camaraderie between them was another vital factor that contributed to their 2023 success. Not only has it led to incredible success in the pool, but it has also created a supportive community that extends beyond the sport. 

“Having great teammates who support each other and make playing at UC San Diego something I look forward to every day,” said Peter Olson, a Junior studying Electrical Engineering. 

“The team dynamic is supportive and competitive, creating a space where every teammate pushes each other to be their best in and out of the pool,” Spry added.

Looking ahead to the Fall 2024 season and defending their national title, Triton fans may be excited to know they won't have to wait that long to see their team in action. The Men's Club Water Polo team will host its 3rd annual Atlantis Invitational Tournament from Saturday, February 24 to Sunday, Feb. 25 at the UC San Diego Canyonview Pool, making for an exciting weekend of the sport.

Being a part of a Sports Clubs team  is a great way to make new friends on campus, stay active, and compete against other universities.  If you’re looking to get more involved on campus and join our UC San Diego Rec community, be sure to visit our Sports Clubs page where you can find a wide variety of over 30 sports programs!