Program Desciption

The North Shore Water Polo Academy is our advanced training program for high school athletes in grades 9–12 who want to develop their skills, compete at a higher level, and prepare for success during the high school season and beyond. The Academy welcomes both dedicated players and motivated newcomers. Whether your student is trying water polo for the first time in high school or already competing at a strong level, our coaches provide structured instruction that helps every athlete improve. Practices focus on the key elements of competitive water polo:passing, shooting, defensive positioning, conditioning, and the powerful eggbeater kick, which allows players to stay strong and stable in deep water. Sessions combine technical instruction, conditioning, and competitive scrimmages so athletes can apply what they learn in real game situations. Water polo is one of the most complete sports for developing young athletes. It builds endurance, strength, and coordination in a low-impact environment, allowing athletes to train intensely without excessive strain on growing joints. Many of our players also swim or compete in other sports, and water polo helps enhance conditioning, agility, and teamwork. Safety and confidence in the water are always a priority. Athletes should already be comfortable swimming, and our experienced coaching staff provides structured instruction and close supervision throughout each session. To support proper development, players are grouped by age, experience level, and gender, depending on enrollment size. The Academy is led by Ryan Castle, Founder and Technical Director of North Shore Water Polo and Head Coach at Highland Park High School, along with experienced coaches who bring collegiate and international experience to the program. Athletes interested in competing at higher levels can participate in regional and national tournaments, including events such as USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, while also receiving guidance for potential college recruiting opportunities. Whether your goal is to make the varsity lineup, compete nationally, or challenge yourself in one of the most demanding team sports, the Academy provides the training, mentorship, and competitive environment to help athletes reach their potential. Schedule:May 31 – July 28 • Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Who It’s For • Confident swimmers interested in competitive water polo • Athletes preparing for varsity or college