IRVINE, Calif. - The UC Irvine women's water polo team kicks off the 2026 campaign on Jan. 17 at Polopalooza on the campus of Fresno State.
The 'Eaters will play two games that day, taking on San Jose State at 9:30 a.m. and tournament hosts Fresno State at 5 p.m. Here are five things that Director of Water Polo Dan Klatt would like you to know before UCI dives into their season.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW FOR 2026
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RECORD-SETTING OFFENSE
With recent rule changes promoting offense, the Anteaters recorded 413 goals in 28 games played in the 2025 season, a new best in single season history. Last year's squad also averaged 14.8 goals per game, a new single-season record. The 2026 'Eaters aim to build on the offensive momentum generated last season.
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HETT HEADLINES 2026
The 2025 First Team All-Big West performer Lauren Hett returns for her junior campaign and is poised to be a leader on the 2026 squad. The attacker became the first player in program history to be named to the watch list for the prestigious Peter J. Cutino award last season and led the team with 67 goals and 97 points. She surpassed the 100-goal mark last season and has the opportunity to rise in the all-time leader board with her current total of 107.
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ELITE ACTION AT BARBARA KALBUS INVITATIONAL
UCI will host a refined version of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational in 2026, Feb. 13-15, at Anteater Aquatics Complex. Eight of the nation's top teams will play in a national championship style advancement tournament. The Anteaters are well accustomed to hosting large-scale tournaments, including last year's Big West Women's Water Polo Championship, held April 25-27, at the Anteater Aquatics Complex.
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20 SEASONS STRONG
UC Irvine enters the 2026 season riding the momentum of 20 consecutive winning campaigns and looks to continue the program's sustained success. The Anteaters finished second in the Big West last season with a 5-2 conference record and a 15-13 mark overall, positioning the team as a strong contender once again.
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EIGHT NEW FACES
The 2026 roster features eight newcomers this season. The squad added two goalkeepers, Annie Peak and CJ Sirls, along with center Jess Reagan and defender Chloe Patist. The team also welcomed four attackers: Sydney Hagan, Anya Frey, Michelle Urkov, and Marisol Cowles.
