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Fresno State water polo to join The Big West in 2027-28
6/29/2026 8:00:00 AM | Water Polo
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State water polo has accepted an invitation into The Big West, announced by the conference office and Fresno State Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy on Monday. The Bulldogs will begin competition as an affiliate member in The Big West beginning in the 2027-28 academic year.
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"Joining The Big West is an exciting opportunity for our women's water polo program and another step forward for Fresno State Athletics," said Klassy. "The Big West has long been recognized as one of the premier conferences in collegiate water polo, and we are excited to provide our student-athletes and coaches the opportunity to compete at the highest level while continuing to elevate our program."Â
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The 2027 season will be the 10th season of water polo at Fresno State as the Bulldogs close out their time in the Golden Coast Conference. Â
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Fresno State announced the addition of women's water polo on March 1, 2016 and the hiring of head coach Natalie Benson on June 16 of that year. Benson has served as the program's head coach since her hiring, leading the Bulldogs to four NCAA tournament appearances, four Golden Coast Conference tournament titles and three GCC regular season titles.
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In nine full seasons, the Bulldogs have compiled a 129-89 overall record and a 45-11 overall Golden Coast Conference record.
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Fresno State has crafted at least one All-American in each season since 2018. Fresno State has also had at least one first team All-GCC selection in each full season since 2019.
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Although a young program, Fresno State has developed top talent over the years. The Bulldogs have seen multiple former athletes go on to pursue a professional career in women's water polo, including the program's top two scorers all-time in Hailey Andress and Brooke Ochoa.
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The Bulldogs' entrance into The Big West marks the next big chapter in the program's history as it continues to make its push on the national stage.
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"Joining The Big West is an exciting opportunity for our women's water polo program and another step forward for Fresno State Athletics," said Klassy. "The Big West has long been recognized as one of the premier conferences in collegiate water polo, and we are excited to provide our student-athletes and coaches the opportunity to compete at the highest level while continuing to elevate our program."Â
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The 2027 season will be the 10th season of water polo at Fresno State as the Bulldogs close out their time in the Golden Coast Conference. Â
Â
Fresno State announced the addition of women's water polo on March 1, 2016 and the hiring of head coach Natalie Benson on June 16 of that year. Benson has served as the program's head coach since her hiring, leading the Bulldogs to four NCAA tournament appearances, four Golden Coast Conference tournament titles and three GCC regular season titles.
Â
In nine full seasons, the Bulldogs have compiled a 129-89 overall record and a 45-11 overall Golden Coast Conference record.
Â
Fresno State has crafted at least one All-American in each season since 2018. Fresno State has also had at least one first team All-GCC selection in each full season since 2019.
Â
Although a young program, Fresno State has developed top talent over the years. The Bulldogs have seen multiple former athletes go on to pursue a professional career in women's water polo, including the program's top two scorers all-time in Hailey Andress and Brooke Ochoa.
Â
The Bulldogs' entrance into The Big West marks the next big chapter in the program's history as it continues to make its push on the national stage.
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