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Hear from our Athletes
See how water polo athletes are using 6-8 Sports to track their performance and accelerate their development.
Featured Athlete Stories
From 6-8 Athletes to National Champions
Lauren Steele
UCLA D1
Goalkeeper | Greenwich, CT
Federico Juc Carsalade
UCLA D1
Attacker | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Success Stories
Athlete Spotlights
Hear from our alums on how they leveraged data driven water polo metrics and our training programs to turn their collegiate water polo aspirations into a reality.
Ty Vanderwall
Cal Baptist University D1
Center Defender | Grandville, MI
Jojo Walters
UCLA D1
Attacker | Sophomore | Dallas, TX
Reef Lippa
UC San Diego D1
Attacker | Thousand Oaks, CA
Layla Canales
Villanova D1
Attacker | Gainesville, FL
Nieve Courtney
UC Berkeley D1
4/5 Side Attacker | Salt Lake City, UT
Ronin Araucto
Augustana College D3
Defender | Seattle, WA
Aliyah Cohen
Bucknell CIF-SS D1 Champion
Attacker | Coral Gables, FL
Leo Erickson
Concordia University Irvine D2 – Conference MVP
Attacker | Gresham, OR
Charley Birdsall
UC Irvine D1
Center Defender / Utility | Honolulu, HI
Chase Krupitzer
Long Beach State D1 – 4x Junior Olympics All-American
Attacker | St. Francis HS
Kaleigh Murphy
UC San Diego D1
Utility/Driver | Greenwich, CT
Mason Pellens
Biola University D2
Goalie | Riverside, CA
Kate Morgan
Stanford D1
Driver | Pebble Beach, CA
Jon Carcarey
Pepperdine D1
Utility | Orange, CA
Brice Huxon
UC Merced D2
Attacker | Bellflower, CA
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Parent Testimonials
As parents, we found the analysis and data from 6-8 Sports incredibly valuable. Even when Chase wasn’t getting much playing time at his school or club, the stats confirmed his potential and showed us where he stood among his peers. Tony and Maggie’s advice was critical to his growth, not just in water polo skills, but also in leadership and pool awareness. Having that baseline and seeing where he needed to improve played a huge role in Chase’s path to competing at the Division I level at Long Beach.
Debbie & Carl Krupitzer
Parents of 6-8 Academy Athlete
Our son came to 6-8 having already played at a very high level. He was seeking to improve, be surrounded by other dedicated scholar-athletes, and earn a recruitment spot at a Division 1 college. He got all that and more. Rico, Tony, and Maggie got to know him and focused on specific areas of improvement. From the mental side of the sport to nutrition advice and stretching to prevent injury, 6-8 was the complete experience. I recommend the program to anyone who asks!
Kevin
Dad of 6-8 Multiple Semester Academy Athlete
I wanted to thank you for a wonderful summer and the support you gave Sully. We have been avid believers in 6-8 since being introduced to it in Portland last September and will continue to be your advocates. We can’t say enough about every one of you. The summer academy helped Sully progress more in a short amount of time than we imagined, or realized in the moment. It became apparent during JOs where every team we played was a higher seed and he and the team had a lot of success. During Sully’s initial video interview with Tony he set one of his many goals as getting the team to platinum and that was accomplished, the first time in the clubs history on the boys side. We are home now and he is bored wishing he was back to his summer schedule with you all. We will see you through the fall and again over the course of 2025. Thank you for being great mentors and leaders for Sully to look up to!
Tom
Dad of Sully, longtime 6-8 Athlete & Academy participant
Ellison had an amazing time. The time spent with the older kids was invaluable – as was the coaching. After spending some time observing the program, there’s no doubt why SoCal dominates the sport. Yours is the most buttoned-up, comprehensive on-going program in the sport that I’ve seen. The structure of the program facilitates discipline – and I saw that in Ellison even during the short time she was there. Great integration of non-water polo training too.
Julie
Mom of Guest Athlete at Winter/ Spring Semester
The 6-8 Academy has been a tremendous opportunity for our daughter. She has learned immensely in all areas of the game. Above all, what I value the most is Tony’s ability to narrow in on what our daughter needs to work on the most. There are various areas where she could improve, but Tony’s ability to see every athlete’s greatest need is invaluable. As a parent, I could not ask for more.
Sarah
Mom of longtime Azevedo & 6-8 Academy participant
My daughter was in the 1st 6-8 class at the academy. My son is going to attend this summer. The quality of coaching and opportunity is outstanding. Rico, Tony and the entire team at 6-8 know how to develop athletes. Not only will their technique improve but their overall understanding of the game will as well. They will also learn how to navigate through the college admission process. What coaches are looking for and what aspects of their game they need to change. The 6-8 team is honest, effective, and supportive. If your athlete is willing to learn and improve, the 6-8 academy is the place for them.
Alexis
Mom of Long-time Academy Athlete
I just want to send a note of thanks to Tony, Rico, Minnie, Cam (and everyone else) for the wonderful opportunity you’re giving my grandson. During his first visit back to Connecticut last spring, I noticed how much more confident and independent he seemed after just a few short months with all of you in California. Teenagers face so many challenges today; but it is obvious that Tony, Rico, and the entire staff at 6-8 Sports help develop such good character and basic core values in the young people who attend your sports center. I’ve loved having Jackson back here in Connecticut for the summer…being able to see him so much and helping to chauffeur him back and forth to his summer job. However, I know he is now getting eager to return to his ‘California family’ and the start of his senior year in high school!
Nancy Ethier
Grandmother of longtime 6-8 Academy participant
Our son loves water polo. When it came time for him to improve his skills and knowledge of the game, he needed to learn from the best. Tony and Rico Azevedo are the best! Our athlete wanted to live and breathe the game of water polo and the 6-8 academy provided that for him. The weights and swimming combined with mental toughness and fundamental skills work helped our son achieve his goal of playing college water polo. I can’t recommend the 6-8 academy program highly enough. It gives athletes the outlet that they need to be their best and find lifelong success.
Tom & Jennifer
Parents of Academy Athletes for Various Semesters
Ellison had an amazing time. The time spent with the older kids was invaluable – as was the coaching. After spending some time observing the program, there’s no doubt why SoCal dominates the sport. Yours is the most buttoned-up, comprehensive on-going program in the sport that I’ve seen. The structure of the program facilitates discipline – and I saw that in Ellison even during the short time she was there. Great integration of non-water polo training too.
Julie
Mom of guest athlete for Winter/ Spring Semester
Our daughter spent 6+ months at the 6-8 Academy. Tony, Rico and Maggie were amazing with her. She learned so much from them, and considers them mentors to this day. They stay in close touch, and she knows she can reach out anytime for help. We appreciated the communication, feedback and updates. It takes a village to raise these kids, and everyone at 6-8 showed that they are part of the village and committed to the kids!
Kristi & Scott
Parents of Academy Athlete
My son participated in the Winter/ Spring Academy and I am thoroughly blown away by his increased level of play. All aspects of his game improved, especially his confidence. His passion and game knowledge increased immensely. For me, the Academy brought such peace to my life. I knew my son was getting Olympic level training and competition daily as 6-8 gave him the tools needed to reach his potential. I’m so grateful to 6-8 and the entire Azevedo family for the positive impact the program had in all our lives.
Meghan
Mom of Longtime Academy Athlete
I just wanted to thank you for giving JJ the opportunity to participate in your amazing program. He not only grew as a player but as a young man who will go into the next year with confidence & strength. Your team, Minnie, Cam, Jimmy, Coach X were so kind, supportive & inspiring. Rico & Tony gave him all the right inspiration & mentoring to work on his skills and he will honestly never forget the experience & we will forever be grateful to all of you.
Leyla
Parent of 6-8 Academy Athlete
After participating in several of Azevedo’s phenomenal clinics and camps, our son asked if he could apply to attend the 6-8 Academy. It did not disappoint! We were so impressed with the way the 6-8 Academy focused on coaching the whole athlete. Not only did all aspects of our son’s water polo game improve with the personal training he received from the amazing list of Olympian, college, and elite coaches, but 6-8 also improved our son’s confidence, mental attitude, and nutritional acumen. Thanks to the 6-8 Academy our son is headed off to a D1 college feeling prepared and excited to play at the next level!
Bill & Michelle
Parents of Fall Semester Academy Athlete
I just want to say thank you and share what an incredible experience the Academy was for Colby and our family. While I don’t want to come off as exaggerating, it really feels like his time at 6-8 will always be a significant life experience for him. Growth and maturity as a person and player, amazing new friends, and laser focus on goals. Colby had some struggles after open heart surgery and the time at 6-8, with amazing staff (I think he would drop me and his dad in a heartbeat for Rico!) was just a game changer for him. One of his roommates did a summer recap video posted on IG which just about brings me to tears seeing how they all supported one another, sought adventure, and had fun! The work you all do is so important and extends far beyond the pool deck. Thank you again and I am sure Colby (and the Tenter family) will continue to be a part of 6-8 in the future!
Christi
Mom of 6-8 Academy Athlete
One of the highlights was watching my son step outside of his comfort zone, meeting and playing alongside peers he had never met before. The smile on his face throughout the weekend was absolutely priceless. He’s already looking forward to attending more showcases in the future.
Nella Marov
Water Polo Parent
As parents, we found the analysis and data from 6-8 Sports incredibly valuable. Even when Chase wasn’t getting much playing time at his school or club, the stats confirmed his potential and showed us where he stood among his peers. Tony and Maggie’s advice was critical to his growth, not just in water polo skills, but also in leadership and pool awareness. Having that baseline and seeing where he needed to improve played a huge role in Chase’s path to competing at the Division I level at Long Beach.
Debbie & Carl Krupitzer
Water Polo Parents
It’s one thing to see a one-off video of a spectacular play but to truly gauge consistency, you need the data. The 6-8 app does both for our daughter. Showing where she ranks and her performance over time adds incredible value and validation. It is also a great motivator for her to see how far she’s come and what goals she can set and achieve.
Jason Gagne
Father of longtime 6-8 Athlete
As a parent of a son with college aspirations, one of the biggest challenges has been helping him understand how to talk about himself as an athlete. The technology and data behind the 6–8 program have completely changed that. Through the mobile app, he is able to consistently check his 6–8 Challenge and performance data, giving him a clear, objective way to track his growth and identify exactly where he needs to improve. More importantly, it has given him a common language to explain who he is as a water polo player, his strengths, his progress, and his potential. The 6–8 team is incredible: responsive, innovative, and constantly finding new ways to support and evaluate athletes. They are truly dedicated to growing the sport we all love while giving our kids every opportunity to develop and reach their goals. Our family is so grateful to be part of the 6–8 family.
Sarah Levin
Mom of longtime 6-8 Athlete
As a water polo parent, what matters most to me is knowing my child is seen and evaluated fairly. Having a trusted data and technology platform (that 68 offers) gives real confidence that performance, growth, and effort are accurately captured. It takes the guesswork out of development and gives athletes a clear way to showcase themselves to college coaches. In a competitive recruiting world, that kind of visibility can make all the difference. For youth athletes, 68 data isn’t just numbers—it’s opportunity.
Steve Oujian
Father of longtime 6-8 Athlete
The 6-8 platform has profoundly impacted our club’s development approach by championing a data-driven methodology. It successfully brings focus to the most critical metrics, moving beyond just scoring goals. Our son’s water polo IQ has seen a 10X growth as a direct result of honing these essential skills. We believe water polo needs to standardize performance metrics, similar to all other major sports, and the 6-8 platform provides the essential tools to achieve that goal.
Adam Gates
Father of longtime 6-8 Athlete
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