The first high-performance, full-time immersive training academy for water polo. Prepare for college competition with world-class coaching and state-of-the-art facilities.
The 6-8 Academy is a semester-based, full-time immersive training program built to equip athletes with the tools to succeed at every level. Whether your goal is to compete at the Division I level or maximize your long-term potential, our comprehensive approach is designed to get you there.
Train alongside Olympic coaches and professional athletes in an environment focused on developing every aspect of your game — technical skill, tactical IQ, physical performance, and mental strength.
"The earlier you start, the better. Our program gives athletes the competitive edge they need for college recruitment."
Program Details
Los Caballeros Sports & Racquet Club in Fountain Valley, CA. World-class facilities including Olympic-size pool, modern gym, and training amenities.
Three semesters offered: Winter/Spring, Summer, and Fall. Limited capacity per semester ensures personalized attention for every athlete.
High school students, gap year athletes, and youth players seeking development. Gender & age divided. Both overnight and commuter options available.
Weekly Structure
A 5-day Monday through Friday program designed to maximize development while preventing burnout.
Focus on conditioning, mobility, and strength development
Mental training, VR sessions, tactical seminars, and video analysis
Beyond the Pool
A comprehensive program that develops the complete athlete—body, mind, and game IQ.
Water polo-specific conditioning
Virtual reality skill development
Certified sports psychology
Detailed breakdown sessions
Performance-focused education
Olympic-level strategies
MOTUS partnership (2x weekly)
Guidance & exposure support
World-Class Staff
Train with Olympic champions, national team coaches, and certified performance specialists.

Main Coach & Mentor
5x Olympian & Silver Medalist. 4x NCAA MVP & former Team USA Captain. Stanford Grad, Harvard Masters.

Head Coach
Head Coach for USA Men's Water Polo Team, USA Junior Team and CSULB. Former Head Coach of Chinese Men's & Women's National Teams for 2016 Rio Olympics.

Coach & Mentor
3x Gold Medalist, Current Team USA Captain. Named best female athlete in the world by FINA. Stanford BS and Masters in Management Science & Engineering.
Performance Specialist
15+ years of experience helping athletes—from youth to pros—build strength, mobility, and durability for high-level sport. Emphasizes efficient movement, rotational power, and physical readiness.

VR & Data Director
High-performance psychologist/consultant for water polo programs at UCLA, Stanford, and LMU. Founder of REPS-VR, the industry leading sports virtual reality training system.

Goalie Coach
UCLA star goalie and professional athlete.

Mental Performance Coach
Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) Candidate. M.S. Sport and Performance Psychology, California Baptist University.

Main Coach & Mentor
Founder of East Side WP, top girls club in the zone from 2019-2023. 17 years coaching experience worldwide, including National Team and ODP.

On-Campus Organizer
Four-time Academic All-American. Played water polo at UC Berkeley.

Full-Time Onsite Chaperone
Over 30 years experience spearheading event planning, coordination, community outreach projects, and youth engagement.
Living Arrangements
Both overnight and commuter options available to fit your needs.
From Our Athletes
The 6-8 Academy played a vital role in my recruitment process to becoming a D1 athlete. Not only did it tremendously develop me physically, it also taught me confidence in both my skill and self. The biggest thanks I have to 6-8 is teaching me to be confident enough to see playing collegiately as something I could accomplish, I wouldn't be here without it.
The Academy has been such an incredible experience and has provided me with so many opportunities. The personalized, engaged coaching has helped elevate my game IQ, technical play, and physical strength.
Questions
Program leaders recommend joining early to correct fundamental issues. Athletes benefit from any duration—some attend one semester, others multiple years. The earlier you start, the more time you have to develop and prepare for college recruitment.
Yes, prospective athletes can arrange day visits or week-long guest spots during fall/winter-spring semesters. Contact support@6-8sports.com to schedule your visit.
Approximately 50/50 split between residential and commuting athletes, varying by semester. Both options provide full access to all Academy programming.
Applications open months before each semester (fall in March, winter/spring in September, summer on January 5th). Responses come quickly after submission. Submit your application online and our team will review your background and goals.
Fall/winter-spring semesters accept 12 female field players, 12 male field players, and 6 goalies. Summer accepts 14-16 field players per gender and 8 goalies. Limited capacity ensures personalized attention.
Commitment level matters most. Talent and skill level are less important than drive, determination, and attitude. We look for athletes who are ready to put in the work and embrace the Academy experience.
Yes, many athletes enroll in hybrid or online programs and compete for local high schools simultaneously. Our schedule is designed to accommodate academic commitments.
Athletes follow the same schedule but train in groups based on age and skill level. Programming is personalized to ensure each athlete is appropriately challenged and developing.
Post-high school athletes can attend multiple semesters, receive college recruiting guidance, and arrange overseas training opportunities. The Academy is an excellent option for gap year athletes looking to elevate their game.
We provide personalized consulting with program leadership, recruiting guides, resume templates, and staff guidance throughout the entire process. Our coaches have extensive connections with college programs at all levels.
Yes, we have full-time goalie coaches with credentials. Past coaches have included Olympians and professional-level trainers. Goalies receive specialized training alongside the regular program.
Yes, ODP participation is encouraged and doesn't affect Academy enrollment. Athletes can miss days for tournaments and other competitive opportunities.
Yes, athletes from multiple countries attend the Academy. We create custom experiences to accommodate various visa situations and help coordinate logistics for international athletes.
The main program runs Monday through Friday, approximately 8 AM to noon, with intensive training. Additional weekend activities occasionally occur, but the core program is designed to prevent burnout.
6-8 organizes occasional group outings, and athletes arrange personal transport for other needs. Many athletes carpool or keep cars on campus for convenience.
To maximize potential for talented athletes worldwide who weren't receiving proper development and exposure. Our founders saw a gap in water polo training and created the Academy to fill it.
Helping athletes achieve individual goals while developing life skills like responsibility, maturity, and strategic thinking. We develop the complete athlete—on and off the pool deck.
Groupings by skill level evolve strategically to teach leadership, responsibility, and teamwork across mixed-age cohorts. This approach helps athletes develop both as players and as leaders.
Tuition covers all Academy components including coaching, facilities, and programming. Additional costs may include local club fees (if chosen), extra gear, and optional physical therapy beyond provided services.
Yes, most summer attendees join local teams for Junior Olympics competition. Athletes can miss up to 3 Academy days for the tournament.
Staff provide support with scheduling and decision-making, becoming mentors and helping balance academics, sports, and life. Our program is designed with athlete wellness in mind.
Furnished apartments on the Los Cab campus featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchens, and washers/dryers. Typically 4-5 athletes share each unit with full-time chaperone supervision.
Join the 6-8 Academy and take the first step toward reaching your full potential in water polo.