Champions Adapt: A Seven Day Giving Challenge

THANK YOU! We had an amazing week during the Champions Adapt Challenge, and have you to thank for it. Although this challenge is finished, you can still support our program by making a donation at: https://give.ucdavis.edu/ICAI. Go Ags!

For the UC Davis Men’s Water Polo Team, the Fall is our favorite time of year! In a sport where we train far more than we actually play, the Fall brings feelings of excitement and possibility. It is time to show what we’ve learned during off-season training, and for a new team to learn and grow together in preparation for end-of-season tournaments. And to play the sport that we love.

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into our plans. We are in a holding pattern that is frustrating for everyone. We anticipate being able to play in Winter of 2021, but it is uncertain at this time. While the NCAA has expressed an intent to host postponed championships in the Spring, as of now we do not have a set date, and therefore cannot plan our schedules for a season in Winter/Spring of 2021. We are stuck. But we are still working hard.

Our program prides itself on not shying away from challenges, and we are looking for opportunities in this challenge we currently face. We refuse to be still during this break, and we choose to do what champions would: We will adapt. The Champions Adapt Challenge (#ChampionsAdapt2020) is all about maximizing our potential and sprinting out of the gates when competition resumes. Like all champions, we know this will be a team effort, and you can be a big part of our team.

The week of October 12–18 was scheduled to be homecoming week on campus. With the loss of traditional revenue streams this year from associated events, we are forced to adapt to generate support for our program. Instead playing home games at Schaal Aquatic Center and traveling to face the best competition in the nation, we will be on our phones, our email, and on social media spreading the word about the Champions Adapt Challenge.

The Men’s Water Polo Team needs your financial support now, more than ever. We have set a fundraising goal of $15,000 to reach during this week-long effort. Your gift in support of Men’s Water Polo today will make a world of difference for our eventual return to competition. Every dollar contributed will go directly and exclusively toward our program.

Our top priorities include:

• Operating and travel expenses
• Assistant coach compensation
• Miscellaneous program needs to enhance student-athlete experience

For more information about UC Davis Men's Water Polo and how to support the Champions Adapt Challenge, please reach out to Director of Development Lorie Lindsey (lalindsey@ucdavis.edu).