5 Reasons Why Arizona State Water Polo Is A National Title Contender In The 2025 Season
The Arizona State University (ASU) Women's Water Polo program is riding a wave of momentum into the 2025 season, establishing itself as a consistent force in the highly competitive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). With the team’s 2025 schedule announced and early results already on the board, Sun Devil Water Polo is poised for a significant push for national recognition, building on a strong 2024 campaign that saw them finish with a 19-9 record.
This deep dive into Sun Devil Athletics’ water polo squad, updated for late December 2025, explores the key personnel, recent achievements, and the fresh outlook that makes ASU a must-watch team this spring. From All-MPSF attackers to a new face on the coaching staff, the program is showing all the signs of a top-tier contender ready to make noise at the national level.
The Architects of Success: Key Personnel and Program History
The foundation of the Arizona State Water Polo program’s recent success rests on a blend of experienced leadership and a history of high-level competition. The team consistently ranks among the nation's best, at one point achieving its highest-ever preseason ranking of fourth overall in 2022.
Head Coach Petra Pardi: The Program Leader
Petra Pardi took the helm as the program's third Head Coach in May 2022, after serving as the Interim Head Coach for the final three games of the 2022 season.
- Role: Head Coach, Women's Water Polo.
- Appointment: Named permanent Head Coach on May 18, 2022.
- Impact: Continues to elevate the program's standing in the MPSF conference.
Coaching Staff and Program Entities
The coaching staff and key administrators play a critical role in maintaining the program's high standards.
- Assistant Coach Amira Van Buren: A significant addition for the 2025 season, Van Buren is an ASU alumna, bringing valuable institutional knowledge and high-level playing experience back to the Sun Devils.
- Former Head Coach Todd Clapper: Led the program from 2005 to 2022, establishing a legacy of consistent national rankings.
- Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA): ASU athletes like Alison Kokorowski, Ashley Ferguson, and Hannah McClaskey were honored with All-CWPA awards in 2025, highlighting the team's academic and athletic excellence.
The 2025 Season: Schedule, Results, and Early Dominance
The 2025 campaign for Sun Devil Water Polo is ambitious, featuring a challenging schedule designed to prepare the team for the MPSF Conference Tournament and potential NCAA contention. The schedule includes two home tournaments and three away tournaments.
Early Season Momentum
As of late December 2025, the team has already logged significant results, demonstrating their ability to compete against top-tier programs.
- 2024 Season Record: Finished the previous season with an impressive 19-9 record.
- Key 2025 Victory: Secured a thrilling 17-15 overtime win against Loyola Marymount University (LMU) on February 23, 2025, in Corona Del Mar, CA.
- Challenging Matchups: Faced a tough loss to conference rival Stanford, falling 12-18 on March 8, 2025, in Tempe, AZ.
- Inaugural Tournament Finish: The team finished ninth at the Inaugural Legacy Crown Tournament, gaining valuable experience against a strong field.
- January 2025 Action: Kicked off the year with a match against the University of Hawaiʻi on January 25, 2025, where attacker Itziar Almeda scored an early goal.
The Roster Powerhouse: Athletes Driving the Sun Devils Forward
The strength of the ASU program lies in its deep and talented roster, which boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The 2024 team saw the addition of nine new faces, creating a balance of youth and experience that is crucial for a successful season.
All-MPSF and International Stars
Several athletes have already earned high-level recognition, proving their status as elite water polo players.
- Millie Quin (Attacker): Recognized as a junior attacker, Quin was named to the All-MPSF Awards list, underscoring her importance as a primary offensive threat for the Sun Devils.
- Itziar Almeda (Attacker): As a freshman attacker, Almeda quickly made an impact, earning a spot on the All-MPSF Awards list alongside Quin. She is a critical part of the team's future.
- Ashley Ferguson & Kat Featherstone: These athletes represented their home countries in the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, a testament to the program's ability to develop international talent. Ferguson was also named an Outstanding All-CWPA honoree in 2025.
Emerging Talent on the 2025 Roster
The 2025 roster features several players expected to take on expanded roles and contribute significantly to the team's success.
- Ani Pamp: A key member of the 2025 Women's Water Polo Roster, Pamp is one of the athletes Sun Devil fans are watching closely.
- Layla Smith: Another prominent name on the 2025 roster, Smith is expected to provide depth and performance in the pool.
- Juliette: Named an All-American in previous seasons, her legacy and experience continue to influence the program's competitive spirit.
The Sun Devil Water Polo Advantage: Topical Authority and Future Outlook
Arizona State Water Polo is not just a team; it's a program committed to excellence within the rigorous environment of the MPSF, which is widely considered the toughest conference for collegiate water polo. The consistent recruitment of international talent and the development of All-Americans like Juliette and All-MPSF honorees like Quin and Almeda solidify their topical authority in the sport.
The team’s strong performance in the 2024 season (19-9 record) and the early 2025 results indicate a sustained level of high-quality play. The addition of alumna Amira Van Buren to the coaching staff is a strategic move that enhances team chemistry and knowledge transfer. The Sun Devils are clearly focused on leveraging their balanced roster and experienced coaching to navigate the demanding 2025 schedule, with the ultimate goal of securing a berth in the NCAA tournament.
For fans and enthusiasts, keeping up with Sun Devil Athletics and the Water Polo team is a must. The program's dedication to competing at the highest level, combined with the exciting talent of players like Layla Smith and Ani Pamp, makes every match a compelling event. The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in ASU Water Polo history.
Detail Author:
- Name : Sidney Kling
- Username : marvin.onie
- Email : maiya.klein@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1994-09-16
- Address : 52547 Smitham Mission West Jessberg, KY 55121
- Phone : +17815515922
- Company : Gaylord, Wintheiser and West
- Job : Retail Sales person
- Bio : Est nihil et officiis sit hic eos et aliquam. Doloremque ipsum ex architecto labore tempora. Qui saepe reprehenderit quod.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/jpollich
- username : jpollich
- bio : Dignissimos numquam cupiditate mollitia possimus iusto.
- followers : 3196
- following : 1818
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/jpollich
- username : jpollich
- bio : In odio sit non quasi. Qui quaerat ut consequatur velit non et.
- followers : 2079
- following : 860
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jack.pollich
- username : jack.pollich
- bio : In facere sed fuga magnam repellat officiis. Aut voluptates eum ex porro. Quia omnis quisquam deserunt enim similique voluptas.
- followers : 126
- following : 830
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/jack.pollich
- username : jack.pollich
- bio : Culpa ut vitae voluptate sit ea aut.
- followers : 4286
- following : 1824
