908 has become so much more than a water polo club for our family. When we came to 908, our boys had experienced success elsewhere, but they’d never experienced what great coaching, a healthy culture, and genuine mentorship really looked like — and it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Every one of our boys has had a different journey, but the outcome has been the same: they’re happier, more confident, more resilient, and better young men because of the people in this program. There are trophies and championships that will be remembered — but years from now, what we’ll remember most is the confidence our boys found, the standards they learned to hold themselves to, and the mentors who believed in them.
Thank you for demanding more from them than they thought they had to give, and for building a program that is changing lives, one family at a time.
Richard & Vivianna Blanch
The Balandis Family
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at 908 Waterpolo Club! It’s no surprise that the Azevedos select top-tier coaches who are genuinely invested in each athlete’s development. The club also does an incredible job of keeping families informed, organized, and supported throughout the season. There is such a strong sense of community, and it’s clear that the coaches truly care about the kids both in and out of the pool. We have two girls in the program and I can honestly say that they have grown in confidence, skill, and love for the sport since joining 908. We are so grateful to be part of this club and would highly recommend it to any family looking for an exceptional water polo program
Our son has been part of 908 Water Polo Club for about five years, and we truly couldn’t be happier. And to be clear—we are not raising him with visions of Olympic gold medals, a Division I scholarship, or his face on a Wheaties box. We’re here because of something much more important: the love Coach Rico and the entire 908 coaching staff pour into these kids—and the grit they teach them along the way.
Our son is a goalie, which basically means he voluntarily signs up to have people launch water polo balls directly at his head while treading water. But through 908, we have watched him become incredibly mentally balanced, resilient, disciplined, and self-regulated. Those skills will serve him long after he climbs out of the pool.
One of my favorite lessons Coach Rico has ever shared with the kids is that the best water polo player isn’t necessarily the one who scores the most goals—it’s the player who makes everyone else around them look good. THAT is 908.
This club is about so much more than competition and winning. It’s about good sportsmanship, conditioning, proper training, solid form, teamwork, discipline, resilience, and—yes—actually having FUN playing the sport.
Every 908 coach we have encountered seems to share the same philosophy: love these kids, teach them well, challenge them, and expect them to give their best. Their value as athletes isn’t determined by the scoreboard. So here is my warning disguised as a recommendation: If your only goal is for your kid to compete, win, collect medals, and dominate every tournament, there are probably other clubs for you.
But if you want your kid to become grounded, disciplined, mentally strong, resilient, loved, and equipped with lifelong foundational water polo skills, stick with 908 Water Polo Club.
Five years later, we’re still here—and we wouldn’t want our goalie getting water polo balls launched at his head anywhere else.
We cannot recommend 908 Water Polo Club enough.
The Ellis Family