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A high-action, side-profile shot of a water polo player (Hugo Wouters) rising out of a bright blue pool, prepared to throw a yellow ball. He wears a white cap with the number "5" and is mid-motion, with water splashing dramatically from his right hand and the ball. In the foreground, a defender in a dark blue cap looks on. The background shows the pool's edge, lane lines, and the white-clad legs of an official standing on the deck under bright, direct sunlight.

Western Water Polo Association

The WWPA tapped RealSID to enhance the quality of its digital presence following a rocky transition.

The Challenge

The Western Water Polo Association found itself in a completely new landscape following changes in the collegiate water polo industry. For the first time in 40 years, the WWPA transitioned to an all-NCAA Division II membership model.


With colleges and universities from three different time zones across the nation, the WWPA needed a strategy on how to unite these programs under the WWPA umbrella to enhance the student-athlete experience, market itself and its membership as an attractive destination to continue recruits' academic and athletic careers, and position the conference as a sought-after landing spot for water polo programs transitioning to NCAA Division II.

The Strategy

RealSID put together a strategic communications plan for the WWPA, generating buy-in from critical stakeholders within each Athletics Department and the WWPA's Executive Committee. Initiatives included:


  • Editorial Content: Created a system of consistent, timely communications like WWPA Digest and The Weekend Wrap. Each piece of content includes updates and highlights from each member of the conference to keep fans engaged, informed, and inspired to follow their favorite team throughout the season.

  • Social Media Strategy: With its target demographic (high school recruits and current student-athletes) heavily involved with social media, RealSID designed a social media strategy which included a newly-formed Instagram account (@thewwpa). RealSID molded an enhanced visual identity for the platform and posts a stream of consistent, timely content throughout each season.

  • Enhanced Communications Protocols: Managing deliverables and storylines from eight different athletics departments across the nation required a complete overhaul of the WWPA's policies and procedures around image sharing, live streaming video, and award nominations. RealSID used its 15 years of industry experience to mold a new system that is transparent, accountable, and effective.



The Impact

The Western Water Polo Association's online presence has evolved into a best-in-class experience within the collegiate water polo landscape in the United States. By creating an attractive, consistent, and captivating communications strategy, the WWPA has seen its exposure grow significantly:


  • 2,274,096 views and 577,778 accounts reached in 2026 alone.

  • 600%+ increase in social media followers across Instagram and X.

  • 10%-15% year-over-year growth in website traffic.

  • Record number of international student-athletes attending member institutions.

  • Full rosters at each member institution for the first time since the pandemic, meaning more paid tuition for each school.

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