#WhyWaterPolo? Inspiring Stories, Pro Recco’s U.S. Debut, and the Future of Professional Water Polo in America
Aug 15th 2025
Water polo in the USA is more than a game — it’s a community, a passion, and for many, a life-changing journey. From youth players chasing their first win to Olympic champions inspiring the next generation, water polo athletes all have a “why” that keeps them coming back to the pool. That’s what inspired our #WhyWaterPolo campaign, where players from all levels share their personal stories.
And this year, there’s even more to be excited about. Pro Recco, the most successful professional water polo team in the world, is coming to the United States — bringing with them a glimpse of what the future of professional water polo in the USA could look like.
But before we dive into Pro Recco’s big debut, let’s celebrate the real heartbeat of the sport — the players and their stories that make water polo such a powerful and inspiring game.
Payton’s Pool: Finding Calm and Confidence @payton.beisel
Meet Payton Beisel, a 16U USA Water Polo athlete who’s been part of the competitive water polo community for just two years but already knows exactly why she’s hooked. Growing up, Payton struggled with anxiety and didn’t feel great about herself. Water polo training gave her a place to breathe and grow.
“When I hop in the pool, all the bad thoughts shut off and I feel calm,” she says.
Now, she’s all in, loving the rush of competition and the chance to prove to herself she can do great things. Payton’s story shows how youth water polo can be so much more than a sport — it can be a lifeline.
Michele: A Water Polo Legend in the Making
“I love water polo!” Michele Bassi-Degenkolb recalls. In 1976 at UC Berkeley, she was swimming for Cal when she first watched the men’s water polo team practice under legendary coach Pete Cutino. Cutino — whose name now lives on in the prestigious Cutino Award, college water polo’s highest honor — inspired Michele and her teammates to ask, “Why can’t we play too?”
With Cutino’s support, Michele and other women swimmers began training with the men, sparking the creation of the first Cal Berkeley women’s water polo club. It was a pivotal moment in women’s water polo history, long before the sport gained NCAA or Olympic recognition.
Those early years meant playing with oversized men’s water polo balls, but persistence paid off. Michele went on to coach high school swimming and water polo in Berkeley and later rejoined the sport at the masters level. In 2006, she played goalie for the Soda Moms, a women’s 50+ team that won gold at the FINA World Masters Championships at Stanford.
From her pioneering days at Cal to her championship run with the Soda Moms, Michele Bassi-Degenkolb’s story is woven into USA water polo history — alongside visionaries like Coach Pete Cutino, who helped lay the foundation for today’s thriving women’s game.
Joliette: Team Spirit and Happy Places @Jo.lie.12
For Joliette Faraci, another 16U standout in competitive water polo, the pool is her happy place.
“Even if a million things are happening outside the water, when I’m in the pool, I’m at peace,” she shares.
Beyond the game, it’s the friendships, goals, and teamwork that keep her coming back. Her favorite memory? A fun-filled San Diego water polo tournament with her teammates — water polo matches all day, then breakfast together to celebrate the wins and the bonds. That’s the kind of connection team water polo creates.
From Passion to Possibility — Is the U.S. Ready for Pro Water Polo?
Payton, Michele, and Joliette represent different ages and backgrounds, but their stories all point to one thing: water polo has the power to change lives. It's a sport that builds confidence, creates lifelong memories, and connects people in and out of the pool.
But here’s the thing — while water polo in the USA is growing, there’s still something missing: a clear path to the professional water polo level. Right now, kids dream of playing in college... and then what? Why not dream bigger?
Well, the tides are starting to shift.
Pro Recco Is Coming — And It’s a Glimpse Into What’s Possible
This summer, the U.S. is getting a front-row seat to what true professional water polo looks like. Pro Recco, one of the top professional water polo teams in the world, is coming to the States — and they're bringing serious energy with them.
For fans of USA Water Polo, there’s an extra storyline. Ben Hallock, former captain of the USA Men’s National Water Polo Team, once wore the Pro Recco cap — and now Max Irving, the current captain, is following in his footsteps and playing for the legendary Italian water polo club. Even better, Max Irving will be at this event, giving fans the rare chance to see him compete in Pro Recco colors right here on U.S. soil.
On August 31st, they'll host a water polo skills clinic, giving American athletes the chance to learn directly from the best of the best. Click here for more information. Then, on September 3rd and 4th, they'll face off in an epic international water polo tournament against UCLA, Princeton, and FTC Telekón. Click here for tickets. This event will feature elite-level water polo, Olympic water polo talent, and a whole lot of excitement — the kind of showcase that sparks dreams and gets fans on their feet.
And maybe, just maybe, it will spark a group of individuals to seriously think about developing a professional water polo league in the United States.
Powered by Passion — and a Powerful Partnership
Growing a sport like water polo takes more than athletes in the pool — it takes leadership, vision, and the right support system. That’s where USA Water Polo comes in. As the driving force behind the sport’s growth nationwide, they’re laying the groundwork to elevate American water polo at every level.
And they’re not doing it alone.
As the official partner of USA Water Polo, Delfina USA x S&R Sport is proud to be fueling the movement with water polo gear, custom water polo suits, and elite training equipment for teams coast to coast. From youth water polo programs and high school water polo clubs to masters athletes and national teams, we’re all-in on building a stronger, faster, and more united water polo community.
But growing the game isn’t just about what happens now — it’s about imagining what’s possible next.
Why It’s Time for Pro Water Polo in the U.S.
With inspiring athletes like Payton, pioneers like Michele, rising stars like Joliette — and now powerhouse teams like Pro Recco making waves stateside — the energy around water polo in America is real.
Right now, too many of our USA Water Polo National Team athletes have to leave the country during the offseason, competing for professional water polo clubs in Europe just to earn a living. They should have the chance to play — and be paid — right here at home, in front of American fans, inspiring the next generation in our own pools.
We believe the next step is clear — it’s time for a professional water polo league in the U.S.
Here’s what it would bring:
- A clear career path for young players chasing their dreams.
- A boost in water polo exposure, fan excitement, and elite-level competition.
- More funding, more clinics, and more accessibility for developing players.
- A platform that keeps our best athletes in the game — and keeps the next generation inspired.
Water polo already has the heart, the talent, and the community. Now it’s time to give it the stage it deserves.
Let’s make professional water polo happen in America. The players are ready. The fans are ready. The future is ready.
