Princeton U. To Host World Water Polo Champions For Historic Showcase

PRINCETON, NJ —Princeton University will serve as the epicenter of international water polo excellence this August and September when the legendary Pro Recco team brings its 2025 World Tour to the Denunzio Pool.

The Italian powerhouse, winners of 37 national championships and 11 Champions League titles, will conduct an exclusive clinic and compete in multiple high-stakes matches on campus.

On Aug. 31, Princeton's Denunzio Pool will transform into a training ground for aspiring water polo athletes aged 11-18. The clinic, running from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., offers participants the rare opportunity to learn directly from Pro Recco's elite roster and coach Sandro Sukno, a Croatian Olympic gold medalist who has captured 13 titles in just four consecutive seasons.

The Princeton Tigers Water Polo Club is partnering to sponsor this clinic, where young athletes will receive personalized instruction from players like Francesco Di Fulvio (Italy's national team captain), Max Irving (Team USA captain and 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medalist), and Álvaro Granados (recent World Champion from Spain).

"Water polo has exploded as one of America's fastest-growing sports, with high school participation surging 25 percent nationwide," said coach Sukno. "These matches represent more than competition - it's a platform to inspire the next wave of American talent while demonstrating that elite water polo belongs on the U.S. stage."

The Princeton campus will host the tour's grand finale as part of the Princeton Invitational tournament. The Denunzio Pool will witness elite international competition across two days:

September 6:

• 5 p.m. EST - Pro Recco vs Princeton Tigers

• 6:30 p.m. EST - FTC-Telekom vs Fordham

September 7:

• 2:00 p.m. EST - Pro Recco vs FTC-Telekom (Championship Rematch)

The Sept. 7 matchup promises to be particularly thrilling, as Pro Recco faces FTC-Telekom, the Hungarian powerhouse that has claimed the last two Champions League titles.

The University's involvement in this international showcase reflects the rising profile of American collegiate water polo. The Tigers will compete directly against Pro Recco's world-class roster, providing invaluable experience for the program and demonstrating the growing strength of U.S. water polo.

"We're also excited to face top American programs like UCLA and Princeton, who have raised their level year after year and are developing players ready to shine on the world stage," said Pro Recco President Maurizio Felugo. "The American movement is growing fast: fresh off an Olympic bronze medal and heading toward LA 2028 with momentum."

Young athletes interested in the Aug. 31 clinic can register at: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/njptacwpd/page/team-registration

All clinic participants will receive exclusive Pro Recco merchandise as a commemorative gift from this unique experience.

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