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Davis Water Polo Camp

Nick Alden, Camp Director

University of California, Davis, Davis, California 94556

Day
Half-day
Overnight
Clinic
Male
Spring
Summer

Open

5/6 & 6/5 Clinic | Day 9:00AM-3:00PM

May. 11 - May. 11, 2025

Co-Ed | Ages: 10 - 18

Clinic emphasis: 5/6 and 6/5 Clinic

$215

$195 Tuition + $20 Registration Fee

Open

Center/Center Defense Clinic | Day 9:00AM-3:00PM

May. 25 - May. 25, 2025

Co-Ed | Ages: 10 - 18

Clinic emphasis: Center/Center Defense Clinic

$215

$195 Tuition + $20 Registration Fee

Open

Jul. 28 - Jul. 31, 2025

Co-Ed | Ages: 10 - 18

Skills Camp | Day 9:00AM-4:000PM

$500 Tuition + $40 Registration Fee

$540

Skills Camp | Overnight

$650 Tuition + $40 Registration Fee

$690

* Pricing is subject to change based on availability. Enroll today to secure current rates.

Your Water Polo Camp Experience Awaits – Sign Up Today!

USSC is proud to partner with the UC Davis Water Polo coaching staff in 2025 to bring you the Davis Water Polo Camp! The camp will be held on the beautiful UC Davis campus, located at the center of Davis in Northern California’s central valley. Davis is a vibrant college next to world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley each within a two-hour drive.

The focus of the program will be in-water instruction on the fundamentals of the game. Fundamental passing, shooting, team and individual defense along with tactical discipline and individual aspects of the game will be discussed. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with the top players and coaches in the country.

This camp is open to any and all entrants. For your safety and benefit, we recommend you choose a camp that fits your level of development. All events are subject to change based on NCAA and school restrictions. Due to high demand and limited capacity, prices are subject to increase as camp exceeds 25%/50%/75% capacity.

Highlights Include

TEAM DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
Instruction by UC Davis Men's Water Polo coaching staff and current players
Low camper to instructor ratio
Emphasis on fundamentals, position training, drills and scrimmages
Position Specific Training for Drivers, Shooters, Goalies & 2 Meter Offense & Defense
View More Details ⟩

Camp Director Nick Alden

Nicholas Alden joined the UC Davis men's water polo team in 2022. In addition to his responsibilities in the pool, Alden works on logistics for team travel, team nutrition, day to day operation, branding, film, scheduling and recruiting. Originally from Almaden, California, Alden is an alum of West Valley College and Southern Oregon University.
Head Coach Dan Leyson

Directing camp is, Head Coach, Daniel Leyson, who owns more than 30 years of experience at both the collegiate and international levels, Leyson enters his 13th season at the Aggie helm in 2025.
View Dan Leyson's Bio ⟩

HONORS & AWARDS
• 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022 WWPA Coach of the Year

Leyson, who owns a 181-93 overall record at UC Davis and a commanding 56-4 record in Western Water Polo Association play, brought an immediate impact to the Aggie program, guiding UC Davis to an undefeated Western Water Polo Association record in his first year. The 2015 squad then reached new heights: the program's best win-loss percentage (.692) since 2007 and the highest national ranking during the regular season (No. 9) since 2011. He followed that up with a historic 2022 campaign, winning the WWPA title with a perfect 8-0 record before achieving another NCAA Tournament appearance. Leyson was named WWPA Coach of the Year following the excellent season, earning the award for the second consecutive year and for the fifth time overall.

For his achievements, Leyson was awarded the Monte Nitzkowski Distinguished Men's Coaching Award by USA Water Polo and served as the head coach for USA NorCal in the second season of the USAWP National League.

Never one to rest on laurels, Leyson continues to raise the bar for Aggie men's water polo. In 2016, the former U.S. National Team player and coach guided UC Davis to its first Western Water Polo Association championship and NCAA postseason appearance since 1997, setting then-school records for wins (23), winning percentage (.793), goals scored (12.6 per game) and final national ranking (No. 10).

A year later, the Aggies made it back-to-back 20-win seasons by posting 22 victories and finishing No. 8 in the nation in the final national poll — its highest finish since the 1996 squad ended the year eighth following a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships.

In his 10 years at UC Davis, Leyson has guided the Aggies to nine winning seasons — including the last eight straight — and a top-two finish at the WWPA Tournament eight times, including titles in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. His last seven teams have also finished among the top 10 in the final national polls.

Under his tutelage, 11 different players have gone on to earn a total of 17 All-America awards from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches, including the program’s first four-time All-American in Ido Goldschmidt (2015-18), who joins Nir Gross as the only two players in the history of the program to earn higher than third-team honors.

In addition, five players have gone on to earn WWPA Player of the Year honors: Nir Gross (2021) Bernie Rogers (2013), Sean Grab (2015), Cory Laidig (2017), and Goldschmidt (2016, 2018), two more have earned WWPA Freshman of the Year laurels (Laidig in 2014 and Sasa Antunovic in 2015), while 23 players have been selected to the All-WWPA teams a total of 37 times.

In the classroom, Leyson’s charges have also navigated the waters of one of the nation’s top public institutions, earning a total of 55 ACWPC Academic All-America awards — including a team award in 2017 — and 54 WWPA All-Academic honors since 2013.

An assistant for two years (2002-04) under legendary coach Ratko Rudic for the United States National Team for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, as well as appearances at the FINA World League (bronze medal), the 2003 World Championships, and the 2003 Pan American Games (gold medal), Leyson embarked on his coaching career at his alma mater where he was an assistant at USC from 2000-02, helping the Trojans to a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships in his first year.

Following that experience, Leyson moved on to the club level in 2005, serving as head coach of the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club, which tripled its membership to more than 200 members representing 70 schools during his tenure. He earned Best Coach accolades in the 2010 Ironman League while leading the 16-under boys team to the league's championship.

Leyson was named winner of the Bill Barnet Distinguished Men's Coach Award (Scholastic) from the U.S.A Water Polo Assembly in 2011. Three of his boys teams that year captured gold medals at the South Florida International competition. He also served as head coach for the California Coastal Zone for the Olympic Development Team (2006-07).

Returning to the collegiate ranks in 2011, Leyson was an assistant at UCLA for two years, helping the Bruins to a championship in the powerful Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and a pair of runner-up finishes at the NCAA Championships before joining the UC Davis program.

A four-year starter, a three-year scholar-athlete, and three-time All-American for the Trojans as a player — including first-team honors in 1992 when he helped lead USC to a third-place NCAA finish and led the tournament in scoring — Leyson played professionally overseas with Club Natacio Atletic-Barceloneta, a 1st-division Spanish team, until 1998. He also competed with the U.S. National Team for trips to Denmark, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Japan, and Canada, participated in three Olympic Festivals, and twice competed at the Maccabiah Games, winning a silver medal in 1993.

His experience in Spain has paid dividends in his coaching career: the 2015 Aggies took part in an eight-day team training camp at the Barcelona International Water Polo Academy and returned in the summer of 2019, spending nine days in Barcelona and another week on the island of Korcula just off the coast of water polo hotbed Croatia.

After earning his undergraduate degree in business from USC in 1992, Leyson went on to earn his master's in physical education, with an emphasis on coaching, from Ball State in 2008. He and his wife, Camille, are parents to daughter Mia and twin sons, Benjamin and Silas.

This summer, UC Davis is offering three water polo clinics this spring and a summer camp in July. The spring clinics are on April 6, May 11, and May 25. The April 6 clinic is a half-day clinic from 1:00pm-6:00pm and the May clinics are from 9:00am-3:00pm. The summer camp will run from 9:00am-4:00pm with an overnight option as well.

2025 CLINIC OVERVIEW

Dates: April 6 - Attacker Clinic, May 11 - 5/6 and 6/5 Clinic & May 25 - Center/Center Defense Clinic
Age Group: 10-18
Gender: Coed
Camp Type: Day Camp
Schedule: April 6 - 1:00pm-6:00pm, May 11 & May 25 - 9:00am-3:00pm
Check-In: April 6 - 12:30-1:00pm, May 11 & May 25 - 8:30-9:00am at Schaal Aquatics Center
Lunch: Lunch is not provided. Please bring a packed lunch.
Program: The Skills Camp program is designed for youth and high school players (Ages 10-18). This program focuses on advanced skills, position specific training for divers, shooters, goalies and 2 meter offense & defense, team concepts and an overall intense level of competition. Campers also have the opportunity to compete daily in games against each other.

2025 OVERNIGHT CAMP OVERVIEW

Dates: July 28-31
Age Group: 10-18
Gender: Coed
Camp Type: Overnight & Day (commuter)
Check-in: 1:00-2:00pm at TBD
Check-out: A closing ceremony will take place at 11:00am on Thursday. Campers will be picked up immediately following the closing ceremony.
Extended Day Schedule: MON 2:00PM-6:00PM, TUE-WED 9:00AM-4:00PM, THURS 9:00AM-12:00PM **Times subject to change
Meals: All meals are provided for Overnight &. Extended Day campers. No lunch will be provided on Monday or Friday.
Youth Skills Camp Program: The Youth Skills Camp program is designed for youth and incoming high school players (Ages 10-13). This program is designed to provide youth players with the fundamentals, latest drills, in-water scrimmages and position specific training (Divers, Shooters, Goalies and 2 Meter Offense & Defense) essential for improvement.
High School Advanced Skills Program: The High School Advanced Skills Camp program is designed for high school players (Ages 14-18). This program focuses on advanced skills, position specific training for divers, shooters, goalies and 2 meter offense & defense, team concepts and an overall intense level of competition. Campers also have the opportunity to compete daily in games against each other.

CAMP ADDRESS

Schaal Aquatics Center
426 Health Sciences Dr
Davis, CA 95616
Click Here for Directions

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

From the Bay Area

Travel east on Interstate 80 until reaching turnoff near UC Davis campus for Highway 113 (toward Woodland).
Exit Hutchison Blvd. and stay right.
Turn right at Health Sciences Drive. Proceed straight to Lot 56.

From Sacramento

Travel west on Interstate 80 until reaching turnoff near UC Davis campus for Highway 113 (toward Woodland).
Exit Hutchison Blvd. and stay right.
Turn right at Health Sciences Drive. Proceed straight to Lot 56.

Additional nearby parking is available in Lot 53, the University Credit Union Center Parking Structure.

NOTE: Schaal Aquatics Center is also accessible from downtown Davis by traveling west on Fifth Street. That road turns into Russell Blvd. Turn left at La Rue Road, proceed south to Hutchison Blvd. Turn right at Hutchison, then left onto Health Sciences Drive toward Lot 56.

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

Team Discount: If five or more campers register together, each camper is eligible for a $25 discount. After all team members have successfully registered, contact us to receive a $25 refund per camper.

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT CLINIC

Sunday, April 6th, Sunday, May 11th & Sunday, May 25th

Check-in April 6th: will take place between 12:30-1:00pm at Schaal Aquatics Center. Camp ends at 6:00pm.
Check-in May 11th: will take place between 8:30-9:00am at Schaal Aquatics Center. Camp ends at 3:00pm.
Check-in May 25th: will take place between 8:30-9:00am at Schaal Aquatics Center. Camp ends at 3:00pm.

There is no supervision before or after camp hours, so please make arrangements to drop off and pick up your child on time.

CHECK-IN OVERNIGHT CAMP

Monday, July 28th

Check-in: will take place between 1:00-2:00pm at TBA.

CHECK-OUT OVERNIGHT CAMP

Thursday, July 31st

Check-out: will take place between 11:30am-12:00pm (noon) at Schaal Aquatics Center.

There is no supervision before or after camp hours, so please make arrangements to drop off and pick up your child on time.

MEALS

Lunch is NOT provided each day. Please bring a healthy lunch and snacks each day.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEE?

Instruction: Morning and afternoon training sessions
Supervision: Campers are supervised by staff during camp hours.
Camp T-shirt & Prizes: Campers will receive a Camp t-shirt and prizes. *Summer camp only

INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY

Ratio: 1:10 staff-to-camper ratio
Groupings: Campers are grouped by age, ability, and experience.
Equipment Needed: Please bring your water polo suit, swim cap, goggles and towel(s)
Facility: Schaal Aquatics Center
Medical Protocol: Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.

Instruction will emphasize:

Shooting, drive defense, defending center, pressure passing, and other important skill sets.
Goal Setting sessions

PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST

To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist. All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!

OVERNIGHT CAMPERS

Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment, and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.

Checklist of things to bring:

Weather appropriate clothing for 3 nights/4 days
Dryland training Gear (running shoes, t-shirt, athletic shorts, sweatshirt)
Backpack
2-3 Water Polo Suits
Towels
Hat or Visor
Sunglasses
Sandals/flip flops
Water Bottle
Sunscreen
Spending Money ($50)
Linens (twin sheets & blankets or sleeping bag, pillow, pillowcase)
Pajamas
Bath Towel
Toiletries
No Fan Needed - dorm has AC
Signed Health & Release forms and waivers (forms completed online do not need to be printed and turned in at camp)

EXTENDED DAY CAMPERS

Checklist of Things to Bring: We recommend that all Day Campers bring a daily pack with the following items: water polo suit, cap, goggles, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, sandals, water bottle, dry land gear (running shoes, t-shirt, athletic shorts, sweatshirt) and any other appropriate clothing for that day’s activities which will be described to you on the first day of camp.

Camp Schedule & Meals:

Monday: Day Campers should arrive dressed and ready to play. You will be assigned a counselor and given a complete schedule of all events during the week. Day Campers stay until 6:00pm. Dinner is provided.
Tuesday-Wednesday: Day Camper Hours – 9:00am-4:00pm. Lunch is provided.
Thursday: Day Camper Hours - 9:00-12:00pm. Check-out is immediately after the camp concludes.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is not provided. Campers are responsible for getting to and from camp on their own. There is no supervision before or after camp hours, so please make arrangements to pick up your child on time.

COMPANY POLICIES

For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.

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TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Due to University and NCAA Policies, we are not allowed to offer any transportation to and from camps. The airport closest to the UC Davis campus is Sacramento International Airport. Campers are responsible for their own transportation to and from camp.

Davis Polo Gallery Image 950 x 516 px 2

Schaal Aquatics Center

The Schaal Aquatics Center opened its doors during the 2003-04 season, serving UC Davis swimming and diving, and the Aggie men’s and women’s water polo programs. In its short lifetime, it has already hosted several championship events, including both the men’s and women’s Western Water Polo Association Championships in 2004-05 and the 2005 United States Water Polo Men’s National Championships. The facility also serves as a home course for local club aquatics programs. The complex features an all-deep 65-meter by 25-yard pool with a depth ranging from seven feet to 14 feet (for diving purposes), men’s and women’s locker rooms, four team rooms, training facilities, office space and a fixed-seating capacity for approximately 500 spectators.

Open

5/6 & 6/5 Clinic | Day 9:00AM-3:00PM

May. 11 - May. 11, 2025

Co-Ed | Ages: 10 - 18

Clinic emphasis: 5/6 and 6/5 Clinic

$215

$195 Tuition + $20 Registration Fee

Open

Center/Center Defense Clinic | Day 9:00AM-3:00PM

May. 25 - May. 25, 2025

Co-Ed | Ages: 10 - 18

Clinic emphasis: Center/Center Defense Clinic

$215

$195 Tuition + $20 Registration Fee

Open

Jul. 28 - Jul. 31, 2025

Co-Ed | Ages: 10 - 18

Skills Camp | Day 9:00AM-4:000PM

$500 Tuition + $40 Registration Fee

$540

Skills Camp | Overnight

$650 Tuition + $40 Registration Fee

$690

* Pricing is subject to change based on availability. Enroll today to secure current rates.

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Davis Water Polo Camp

Camp Dates & Prices

May. 11 - May. 11, 2025

May. 25 - May. 25, 2025

Jul. 28 - Jul. 31, 2025

Your Water Polo Camp Experience Awaits – Sign Up Today!

Highlights Include

Camp Coaches

Camp Director Nick Alden

Head Coach Dan Leyson

Camp Details

2025 CLINIC OVERVIEW

2025 OVERNIGHT CAMP OVERVIEW

CAMP ADDRESS

PARKING & DIRECTIONS

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT CLINIC

CHECK-IN OVERNIGHT CAMP

CHECK-OUT OVERNIGHT CAMP

MEALS

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEE?

INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY

PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST

OVERNIGHT CAMPERS

EXTENDED DAY CAMPERS

TRANSPORTATION

COMPANY POLICIES

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Schaal Aquatics Center

Camp Dates & Prices

May. 11 - May. 11, 2025

May. 25 - May. 25, 2025

Jul. 28 - Jul. 31, 2025

JOIN THE PRIORITY LIST

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