The Phoenix Arizona Water Polo Club announced its launch in Surprise, bringing high-quality water polo opportunities to the West Valley.

This summer, with the opening of Surprise’s brand-new aquatic facility at Perryville and Cactus roads, the club is introducing three dynamic water polo programs.

• Splashball: Swim to Shoot (ages 6-8) — A beginner-friendly program that helps young athletes develop essential swimming techniques while incorporating fundamental water polo skills in a fun and engaging way.
• Youth Water Polo (ages 8-18) — Focused on skill development, teamwork, and competition, this program gives young athletes the opportunity to grow in the sport while training with experienced coaches.
• Co-Ed Masters Water Polo (ages 18 and older) — Open to adults of all skill levels, providing a great way to stay active, train, and compete in a supportive and welcoming environment.

“Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where athletes of all ages and skill levels can thrive in this exciting sport,” club officials wrote in a news release.

The programs offer athletes of all ages the chance to develop their skills, build confidence and experience the excitement of water polo.

“As part of our commitment to growing water polo in the West Valley, we are working with local schools and community partners to expand access and introduce more athletes to the game,” the release continued. “Our long-term goal is to establish the first official water polo league in Arizona, providing structured competition and increasing the sport’s visibility throughout the state.”

In addition to launching its club programs, the club is working to integrate water polo into city programming.

In June and July, the club will be partnering with the city of Avondale to offer an Intro to Water Polo REC Program, providing kids with a fun and accessible way to learn the sport. This collaboration is a step toward making water polo a staple in local recreation programs.

The club is led by an experienced coaching team, including the following:

• Mariah Hagemann, club owner, brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her leadership. With two CIF championship appearances in California and collegiate-level experience at Grossmont Community College, Mariah’s lifelong commitment to water polo drives the club forward.
• Tori Higginson is a former Ottawa University-Arizona athlete and two-time NAIA champion. With years of coaching experience, she has a passion for mentoring young players and helping them develop both in and out of the pool.
• Kylee Croftcheck, another Ottawa alum and NAIA champion, brings valuable expertise from her three years competing at the collegiate level.
• Robin Shinto serves as our goalie coach, bringing decades of experience to the team. Having started water polo at age 7, Shinto has a deep understanding of the game and is committed to developing strong, confident goalkeepers.

“Our coaching staff is dedicated to providing top-tier training and guidance to help athletes reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love for the game,” the club wrote in the release.

Visit phoenixarizonawaterpoloclub.com.