6-8 Training Academy

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.

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Personalized & Immersive Training Experience

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."

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6-8 Academy Coaches
6-8 Academy Group

Everything You Need to Know

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Location

Los Caballeros Sports & Racquet Club in Fountain Valley, CA. World-class facilities including Olympic-size pool, modern gym, and training amenities.

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Semesters

Three semesters offered: Winter/Spring, Summer, and Fall. Limited capacity per semester ensures personalized attention for every athlete.

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Who It's For

High school students, gap year athletes, and youth players seeking development. Gender & age divided. Both overnight and commuter options available.

Daily Training Schedule

A 5-day Monday through Friday program designed to maximize development while preventing burnout.

Daily Schedule (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

8:00 – 8:30 AM Mobility & Gym Preparation
8:30 – 9:20 AM Strength Training or Seminars (gender-divided)
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Pool Training Sessions

Mon / Wed / Fri

Focus on conditioning, mobility, and strength development

Tue / Thu

Mental training, VR sessions, tactical seminars, and video analysis

What's Included

A comprehensive program that develops the complete athlete—body, mind, and game IQ.

Strength Training

Water polo-specific conditioning

VR Training

Virtual reality skill development

Mental Performance

Certified sports psychology

Video Analysis

Detailed breakdown sessions

Nutrition Seminars

Performance-focused education

Tactical Training

Olympic-level strategies

Rehab Services

MOTUS partnership (2x weekly)

College Recruiting

Guidance & exposure support

Meet Your Coaches

Train with Olympic champions, national team coaches, and certified performance specialists.

Tony Azevedo

Tony Azevedo

Main Coach & Mentor

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

Ricardo Azevedo

Ricardo Azevedo

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.

Maggie Steffens

Maggie Steffens

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.

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Ryan Spratt

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.

Dr. Dutch Franz

Dr. Dutch Franz

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.

Jahmea Bent

Jahmea Bent

Goalie Coach

UCLA star goalie and professional athlete.

Bridget Cahill

Bridget Cahill, MS

Mental Performance Coach

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

Jimmy Heard

Jimmy Heard

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.

Cam Greer

Cam Greer

On-Campus Organizer

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

Minnie Greer

Minnie Greer

Full-Time Onsite Chaperone

Over 30 years experience spearheading event planning, coordination, community outreach projects, and youth engagement.

Housing & Meals

Both overnight and commuter options available to fit your needs.

Lodging

  • Shared apartments at Los Cab Sports Village
  • 2-3 athletes per room, 5 max per apartment
  • Full-time chaperone on-site 24/7
  • 50/50 overnight and commuter split
  • Safe, supervised environment

Meals

  • Lunch & dinner provided 5 days per week
  • Private chef with nutritionist-created menus
  • Performance-focused meal planning
  • Commuters can opt into meal plan
  • Dietary accommodations available

What Academy Athletes Are Saying

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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.

Giselle Orson

Recruited to University of the Pacific - Class of 2030

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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.

Sam Hofley

USA National Team

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to come to the Academy? And is there a certain amount of time you need to stay?

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.

Is there an opportunity to visit?

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.

How many athletes are overnight vs. commuters?

Approximately 50/50 split between residential and commuting athletes, varying by semester. Both options provide full access to all Academy programming.

What is the application process?

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.

How many athletes are accepted per semester?

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.

What criteria determine acceptances?

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.

Can athletes do online school and play local teams while attending?

Yes, many athletes enroll in hybrid or online programs and compete for local high schools simultaneously. Our schedule is designed to accommodate academic commitments.

Do all age groups train together?

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.

What gap year opportunities exist?

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.

What college recruiting guidance is provided?

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.

Are there dedicated goalie coaches?

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.

Can Academy athletes participate in ODP?

Yes, ODP participation is encouraged and doesn't affect Academy enrollment. Athletes can miss days for tournaments and other competitive opportunities.

Do you accept international students?

Yes, athletes from multiple countries attend the Academy. We create custom experiences to accommodate various visa situations and help coordinate logistics for international athletes.

Is the Academy only 5 days weekly?

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.

How is transportation coordinated for live-in students?

6-8 organizes occasional group outings, and athletes arrange personal transport for other needs. Many athletes carpool or keep cars on campus for convenience.

Why did the leaders create the Academy?

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.

What is the program's main purpose?

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.

How are athletes grouped for appropriate challenge levels?

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.

What does tuition include?

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.

Do Academy athletes compete in Junior Olympics?

Yes, most summer attendees join local teams for Junior Olympics competition. Athletes can miss up to 3 Academy days for the tournament.

How do athletes manage time conflicts without burning out?

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.

Where do on-campus athletes stay?

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.

Ready to Train Like a Champion?

Join the 6-8 Academy and take the first step toward reaching your full potential in water polo.

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