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Serious skills.
Zero Intimidation.
Development-first water polo for North Shore, Illinois, athletes in grades 1–12.
North Shore Water Polo is a development-first club for athletes in grades 1–12 across Chicago’s North Shore. Based at Highland Park High School, we welcome beginners and experienced players alike. Our game-based coaching builds strong fundamentals, confidence, and “Water Polo IQ” in a supportive, multi-sport friendly environment that prepares athletes from their first splash through varsity competition.
We are building something lasting: a culture of excellence, balance, and opportunity — one athlete at a time. Explore our programs to find the right fit for your child.
Our Location
Highland Park High School
North Shore Water Polo is proud to call the Highland Park High School pool, in Highland Park, IL, our home. We also welcome many athletes from the north shore of Chicago and surrounding communities, including Bannockburn, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, Wilmette, Winnetka, etc.
We are committed to expanding access to aquatic sports and keeping kids engaged in the water, especially those who may otherwise drift away due to boredom or burnout.
Our Leadership
Ryan Castle, Founder & Technical Director
Ryan Castle brings a world-class coaching pedigree to the North Shore, but his true mission is deeply personal: building resilient, high-character athletes in the community he calls home. As the Head Coach at Highland Park High School and a former NCAA Division I coach, with tenures at the University of Hawaii, University of Michigan, Arizona State, and Indiana University, Ryan has mentored Olympic and international competitors at the sport’s highest peaks.
Today, Ryan’s focus is closer to home. A resident of Highland Park, Ryan and his wife are raising their family right here in the community. As a local parent, he is personally invested in building a premier water polo program that serves the next generation of North Shore athletes.
Ryan is grounded in the belief that the pool is a classroom for life. Whether he’s refining the biomechanics of a varsity starter or introducing a child to their first Splashball match, he is dedicated to fostering a culture where every athlete feels valued, challenged, and supported.
What is Water Polo?
Imagine soccer or basketball… in the water! Water polo started in Scotland in the 1800s and has been an Olympic sport since 1900. Today, it’s played by millions around the world and growing fast in the U.S. Players swim, pass, and score goals as a team, all while building strength, endurance, coordination, and confidence.
No experience is needed, just basic comfort in the water. Our coaches make learning fun, teaching skills, strategy, and teamwork in a safe, supportive environment. Water polo is an exciting way for kids in grades 1–12 to stay active, make friends, and be part of a sport loved worldwide.
From the Community
Our Programs
Highland Park High School Pool
Starts Jun 16
495 US dollars
Starts Jun 21
195 US dollars
Starts Jun 21
270 US dollars
Starts Aug 7
450 US dollars
Starts Aug 10
479 US dollars