When you think of Utah Athletics, many sports teams and stories come to mind. Maybe you think of the football program whose recent success has captured the attention of the national media and helped put the University of Utah on the map. Perhaps you think of a gymnastics program whose reputation has attracted the likes of Olympic athletes who proudly flash the U during their world-class performances. Or even the women’s basketball program, whose teamwork and desire to win has led to them exceeding expectations to compete with many national brands that have been successful for decades.

While those programs have grabbed headlines deservingly due to their success, there is a new contender repping the red and white whose story needs to be told. As their victories accumulate and their reputation continues to soar, the women’s water polo club team at the U has defied all expectations in their short existence and has become one of the nation’s premier teams.

Beginnings

Just three years ago, water polo was a foreign concept to the students of the University of Utah, as the school did not field a women’s water polo team. However, in fall 2021, a group of passionate athletes who shared a love of the sport decided to start a club team and bring water polo to Utah.

In the early days the club faced challenges that they had to overcome, and there were a lot of them. They included only getting an hour of practice a day and having to have interim coaches step in due to not having a coach of their own. They viewed each setback as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.

“When the team started up again we had eight of us interested in playing,” said Nicole Danielson, the team’s captain since 2022. “It was barely a team, no funding, we might have had an hour a week of practice time.”

Danielson and the rest of the team won one game that first year. However, the team’s love of the game never wavered. Danielson recalled several practices where the players left the pool smiling, happy to be playing the game they love despite not seeing the winning result that they craved. Carrying a positive attitude into every match, the team quickly built a reputation as a fun team who enjoyed playing the sport.

Bonding

Out of the pool, the team spent their time fostering a strong sense of camaraderie through various team-building activities.

Isabelle Wright, the current president of the water polo team, said, “We hang out a lot outside of water polo; sometimes we go bowling, sometimes we do other activities — just things to be around each other.”

Whether they are enjoying casual dinners, exploring new cities during away games, or simply relaxing with movie nights and group outings, these moments allowed them to bond beyond their serious training sessions. They shared stories, laughed over inside jokes, and supported each other through personal challenges, creating a tight-knit community. This deepened connection translated into a cohesive and supportive team dynamic, enhancing their performance and unity in the water.

Growth

With the passion building it was time to grow the team. Recognizing the need for financial stability, the team introduced membership dues, which helped cover essential expenses such as equipment and pool time.

With a solid foundation of committed players and a reliable source of funding, the team then turned their attention to coaches. This past year, the team hired Emily Wright, a former player, to be a co-coach of the team — a strategic move as she understood the team dynamics and could continue to build chemistry. This structured approach enabled the team to evolve from a fledgling group into a well-organized and competitive program.

After setting up the foundations, the team started to see results. Just three years removed from being a new program, the team ascended to the top of their conference, a spot they held for most of the season. According to the team’s president, at their peak, they were ranked No. 8 nationally for two straight weeks — a remarkable achievement for a team that was so new to the game.

The rise of the women’s water polo team at the University of Utah is a testament to the power of passion, dedication and teamwork. From their humble beginnings as a fledgling club, they have grown into a formidable force, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

Their story is one of perseverance, as they transformed from a group of athletes with limited resources into a nationally recognized team. As they continue to build their legacy, their journey serves as an inspiration to all, showing that with determination and a strong sense of community, anything is possible. The women’s water polo team has firmly established themselves as a new contender in Utah Athletics, and their future looks brighter than ever.

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