Bakersfield College is making waves with the addition of a women’s water polo team, set to debut in Fall 2025. This new program expands the college’s athletic offerings and provides student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.
While a coach has not been selected, anyone interested in joining the team should contact communication professor, Bryan Hirayama asked how Hirayama feels about water polo being added to the athletics program he said, “We are very excited to have this program being added to the overall aquatics program.”
Hirayama is very familiar with water polo and very experienced since he started playing at 10 years old so ever since he never left the pool or deck. He continued playing at the college level and after college, he played in club teams and participated in regional and national competitions.
There are some helpful tips that you should know before trying out are that you need to be a solid swimmer, be willing to get physical in the water, and work together with your teammates to accomplish a common goal. It’s going to be hard work and going to take a lot of effort and dedication so be prepared.
Water polo requires both mental health and physical health because it’s a relentless sport. This is a fast paced and physically demanding sport that requires endurance, strategy and collaboration. Players should be prepared for vigorous training and high intensity matches.
Games will be played at the BC pool and head coaching positions have not been announced for applications so as of now we don’t have an actual date of when the coach will be chosen and announced. Doing your own research is also something you can do to get some knowledge, especially if you are a beginner and want to know more about it.
For more information you can reach out to AD Reggie Bolton, Swim coach Matthew Moon, and the Aquatic Director Tina Cummings. They can help you if you have any future questions and need answers.