VILLA Water Polo
Villa Maria Academy Erie, Pennsylvania
Prospective Players
Are you considering playing water polo at Villa?
You probably have a lot of questions about the sport, and the water polo program at Villa.
We will answer some of the most frequently asked questions below:
What is Water Polo?
Water polo is a fast paced, physically and mentally demanding contact sport. It combines swimming, throwing, and catching skills with team work, endurance, and tactics.
I have never seen a water polo game. Where can I see the game being played?
There are three collegiate water polo programs in our area: Gannon, Mercyhurst and Penn State Behrend. The women's season begins in February. There are many opportunities throughout the spring to watch these women playing the game in their home pools. Check our web site main page throughout the spring season for collegiate game times, and then go watch them play!
There are also many games available on Youtube:
I have never played water polo. Can I learn this game?
Absolutely! If you have strong swimming skills and the desire, you can learn the game of water polo.
Really! Can I really learn this game now as a freshman in high school?
YES! Do not be worried about learning this game. You are not the first prospective player to have these concerns. In fact, many of the current team members had never played water polo before deciding to join the Villa team.
If you are a strong swim and you like competitive team sports, you can learn to play water polo.
I would like to learn more about the game. Are there any camps or clinics?
Yes. There are several opportunities to learn the fundamental skills of the game before the start of the high school season in the late summer. There will be the Spring Clinic for grade school aged girls and boys during late March and April conducted by many high school players from the local teams. The Villa team conducts Open Pools during the spring and summer. There will also be some summer club programs. The Villa team members often attend a water polo camp during the summer.
All the information specific to each of these water polo opportunities will be posted on the Villa team web site when available.
You can also join our mailing list and you will receive notifications by e-mail when this information is released by the organizers.
Join our mailing list now by simply filling out and submitting the form at the bottom of this page.
When is the high school water polo season?
In Pennsylvania, the high school water polo season for both girls and boys is in the fall.
The 2019 season starts in August and concludes the first weekend of November with the State Championship Tournament.
When are practices and games? The Villa team mandatory practices begin Monday, August 10.
The team practices five late afternoon and early evenings weekdays at our HFEC pool.
A tentative 2020 game schedule will be posted (and updated) on this web site as information is released by the League Commissioner.
Will water polo interfere with my swimming?
No. Most athletes who play both water polo and swim find the water polo season to be of great benefit. Water polo is a tremendous pre-season conditioning activity before the swim season starts in mid November. In addition to the conditioning benefits, many of the girls find water polo to be a great opportunity to "recharge their batteries" prior to the swim season. In fact, many water polo players throughout the state are very accomplished swimmers who excel at the PIAA Pennsylvania State Swimming Championships each spring.
I don't think I will swim in high school. Can I still play water polo?
Definitely. While the majority of our water polo players are also members of the Villa swim team, many of the girls are not. Undoubtedly there is a benefit to be gained by participating in both sports, but being a competitive swimmer is not a requirement of participation.
Are there both Junior Varsity and Varsity Water Polo teams at Villa?
We anticipate again having a JV team for the 2020 season. Tryouts will be held on Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11. Varsity and Junior Varsity squads will be announced on Wednesday. Voluntary tryout preparation sessions will be offered during the first two weeks of August.
Tell me about the Open Pools
The Villa team will conduct many voluntary water polo Open Pools during the spring and summer months. These open pools are free of charge and offered to any registered Villa student considering playing water polo in the fall. These Open Pools provide a chance to learn some of the fundamental skills of the game in a casual atmosphere. The times and dates of these Open Pools will be published on the "Practice Page" when confirmed.
Anyone interested in learning more about the water polo team, and the sport of water polo, is welcome to attend our Open Pool
When are team tryouts?
Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11
I know I want to play Villa Water Polo. What should I do now?
First, let the coach know of your intentions and request to have your name and email address added to our team newsletter mailing list. That way you will received all team related announcements and the latest news about local water polo. Easiest way to do that is just send an email to the coach declaring your interest. Or, fill out the form at the bottom of this page and send your request.
I have some more questions. How can I get answers?
If your questions or concerns pertain to Villa Maria Academy athletics in general, please contact
the Director of Athletics, Mr. Bill Flanagan at 814-453-7737 x2227, or by E-mail at bill.flanagan@prep-villa.com
If your questions, or concerns, pertain specifically to the Villa team, or to water polo in general,
please contact the coach, Bob Fischer, by E-Mail at robertfischerjr@gmail.com.
Or use the form at the bottom of this page.
