Winning breeds success, and the 2026 season for Coach Petra Pardi and the Sun Devil Water Polo team personifies that statement. The team holds a 24-5 record and ranks consistently in the top five in the Collegiate Water Polo Association poll. Notable results this season include three wins over top-25 opponents, Indiana, Fresno State and Pomona-Pitzer. A major reason for these victories is the team’s all-for-one mentality, highlighted by the freshmen class.
Of the 15 players in the Sun Devils’ lineup, nine are freshmen and three of them have scored over 20 goals. Despite their individual success, one of the most important characteristics is their commitment and dedication to the team.
“They’re very motivated, driven and want to succeed,” said Coach Pardi. “What I love about each of the freshmen is that they’re all team water polo driven. They want to move the ball. It is very fun to coach them.”
For the freshmen, the growth throughout the season has been evident, both in and out of the pool. Whether it has been athletic, team, or personal growth, the season has highlighted each’s ability to flourish within their first season.
“I’ve grown a lot in my understanding of the game. Being around so much experience every day, you inevitably soak up wisdom from the players around you,” freshman Maci Magee said. “As for the team, it’s been exciting to see everyone strengthen the areas they came in working on.”
“My freshman season has been a big learning experience. Everything is new: the school, the language, and the level of competition,” freshman Jelena Butic, an international student from Croatia, said. “But at the same time, it’s been rewarding. I’ve grown a lot, not just as a player, but also as a person.”
The class’s confidence is a trait that cannot be denied. It has exponentially increased throughout the season, thanks in part to Coach Pardi’s trust in her players. Additionally, high-leverage scenarios have helped instill team- and self-belief.
“Seeing them handle the pressure that comes with all the playing time and the confidence of having to play 25 minutes against a top-four opponent, I have seen them grow into their confidence,” Pardi said.
The presence of the nine freshmen is profound both in and out of the pool. Their poise in competition manifests itself in reps and playing time. Their demeanor as students-athletes is just as important and reflects their class and etiquette in representing ASU.
“In the water, they are playing a lot of the minutes,” Pardi said. “Out of the water, they’re kindhearted and joyful. Their level of water polo skill builds on their level of maturity, and they are very mature out of the water.”
Another unique aspect of the freshmen is that eight of the nine come from around the world. The countries that compose the class include Canada, Croatia, Hungary, Israel and the Netherlands.
“Look at where they are from and take a step back to think about how unlikely it is that so many kids are crazy about water polo from different backgrounds and cultures,” Pardi said. “They all chose to come to ASU. They are 100 percent bought into what this university has to offer and what this program can be.”
With the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation up next, the team and the freshmen still have a chance to continue to prove themselves. No matter the future, the class will reflect back on their first year with gratitude and appreciation for all they have accomplished.
“I will look back on this season as a very special one,” freshman Laura Kardos said. “I’ve really enjoyed building strong connections with my teammates, and I feel lucky to be a part of such a supportive and fun team.”
Of the 15 players in the Sun Devils’ lineup, nine are freshmen and three of them have scored over 20 goals. Despite their individual success, one of the most important characteristics is their commitment and dedication to the team.
“They’re very motivated, driven and want to succeed,” said Coach Pardi. “What I love about each of the freshmen is that they’re all team water polo driven. They want to move the ball. It is very fun to coach them.”
For the freshmen, the growth throughout the season has been evident, both in and out of the pool. Whether it has been athletic, team, or personal growth, the season has highlighted each’s ability to flourish within their first season.
“I’ve grown a lot in my understanding of the game. Being around so much experience every day, you inevitably soak up wisdom from the players around you,” freshman Maci Magee said. “As for the team, it’s been exciting to see everyone strengthen the areas they came in working on.”
“My freshman season has been a big learning experience. Everything is new: the school, the language, and the level of competition,” freshman Jelena Butic, an international student from Croatia, said. “But at the same time, it’s been rewarding. I’ve grown a lot, not just as a player, but also as a person.”
The class’s confidence is a trait that cannot be denied. It has exponentially increased throughout the season, thanks in part to Coach Pardi’s trust in her players. Additionally, high-leverage scenarios have helped instill team- and self-belief.
“Seeing them handle the pressure that comes with all the playing time and the confidence of having to play 25 minutes against a top-four opponent, I have seen them grow into their confidence,” Pardi said.
The presence of the nine freshmen is profound both in and out of the pool. Their poise in competition manifests itself in reps and playing time. Their demeanor as students-athletes is just as important and reflects their class and etiquette in representing ASU.
“In the water, they are playing a lot of the minutes,” Pardi said. “Out of the water, they’re kindhearted and joyful. Their level of water polo skill builds on their level of maturity, and they are very mature out of the water.”
Another unique aspect of the freshmen is that eight of the nine come from around the world. The countries that compose the class include Canada, Croatia, Hungary, Israel and the Netherlands.
“Look at where they are from and take a step back to think about how unlikely it is that so many kids are crazy about water polo from different backgrounds and cultures,” Pardi said. “They all chose to come to ASU. They are 100 percent bought into what this university has to offer and what this program can be.”
With the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation up next, the team and the freshmen still have a chance to continue to prove themselves. No matter the future, the class will reflect back on their first year with gratitude and appreciation for all they have accomplished.
“I will look back on this season as a very special one,” freshman Laura Kardos said. “I’ve really enjoyed building strong connections with my teammates, and I feel lucky to be a part of such a supportive and fun team.”