Courtesy: USA Water Polo
Washington, D.C. – October 29, 2024 – Building on the success of Howard University’s swim and dive team, USA Water Polo and Diversity In Aquatics have joined forces to support the relaunch of the university’s co-ed water polo team. With a generous $8,000 grant from USA Water Polo, this initiative represents a significant leap toward supporting expanded aquatic programming at HBCUs and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within aquatic sports.
This effort to revive the co-ed water polo program at Howard University resulted from a dynamic collaboration between Diversity In Aquatics and USA Water Polo, led by Howard University junior Colin McMahon. As a former high school water polo player, McMahon’s passion for the sport and his drive to see it flourish at Howard were strongly supported by Diversity In Aquatics board member and UC Irvine’s Associate Athletic Director, Health, Wellness & Sports Performance, John Abdou. Abdou, a leader in water polo and a champion for diversity and inclusion, worked closely with McMahon to bring this vision to fruition.
“We are thrilled to partner with Diversity In Aquatics and Howard University to re-establish their co-ed water polo team,” said John Abdou, Board Member of Diversity In Aquatics. “This initiative not only broadens student opportunities but also reinforces our shared commitment to diversifying the aquatics space and creating more inclusive, accessible pathways for all.”
The addition of a co-ed water polo team, supported by Howard University’s Campus Recreation, significantly enhances Howard University’s club offerings and creates a space for students to build community around the pool. “We are excited to expand our club sports program offerings as a part of Campus Activities with the support of USA Water Polo and Diversity In Aquatics,” said Dr. Watson, Howard University’s Club Sports Director. “This initiative will enrich our students’ campus experience, offering new avenues for engagement, growth, and leadership within aquatics.”
The $8,000 grant will provide essential resources, including equipment, coaching, and training facilities, ensuring the team has the support needed to succeed and grow. The Water Polo Club would also like to thank Malmsten for the water polo goal.
The relaunch of the co-ed water polo team is just the beginning.
“USA Water Polo is proud to support Howard University’s relaunch of their co-ed water polo program with this grant. This initiative underscores our commitment to breaking barriers in aquatics and fostering an inclusive environment where students and athletes have the opportunity to participate and thrive at HBCUs and beyond.” Eva Padilla Sfregola, USA Water Polo Chief Development Officer and DEI Development Grant Committee member.
Both USA Water Polo and Diversity In Aquatics remain committed to expanding access to aquatic sports for marginalized and underrepresented communities, allowing everyone to learn, compete, and enjoy the benefits of water sports. If you are in the DC area, support the program at its next tournament, Sunday, November 3rd at the Charles E. Smith Center on George Washington University’s campus 600 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States.
Interesting (and kinda predictable) comments so far. Co-ed club water polo isn’t a brand new thing. There’s a co-ed club team at my alma mater, and imo it’s a great solution if the alternative is no water polo at all due to lack of athletes or finances for separate male & female teams or leagues. Yes, matches tend to be less physically intense than the all-male version. Also, according to the article, this is a relaunch, so this is a great thing.
Chicks gonna realize fast this isn’t a jolly weird movie where women are kicking men’s asses . Lmao this about to be hilarious
Just going to jump right in and ask if this means that games will include both men and women, as it’s unclear to me. If this is the case, I think it it will put both women and men at a disadvantage, men because it gets pretty rough underwater and women because they can’t be rough enough.
Yeah, and the sport is more of a California sport. Maybe, Brenda Villa is good for diversity since she was the first hispanic national team member in Water polo.