LOS ANGELES - On Thursday, the University of California, Davis formally accepted an invitation to join the Golden Coast Conference in women's water polo.

The Aggies will join the conference starting on July 1, 2026.

"We are extremely excited to welcome UC Davis and San Jose State to the Golden Coast Conference in 2026-27," said GCC Commissioner Dan Smith. "Being able to add two additional Top-20 teams will be a tremendous asset to our league as we continue to position the GCC as one of the premier women's water polo conferences in the country. Both of these great institutions will help strengthen our conference and will be immediate contenders for a conference title. We couldn't be happier with their addition to our league."

Current members of the GCC include Azusa Pacific, California Baptist, Fresno State, Loyola Marymount, University of the Pacific, San Diego State, and Santa Clara. This move strengthens the GCC's position as one of the top women's water polo leagues in the NCAA, further enhancing its competitive depth and regional footprint.

"We're excited to join the Golden Coast Conference and appreciate Commissioner Dan Smith and the Board for extending this invitation," said UC Davis Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "This move provides our women's water polo program with a strong competitive home and aligns us with institutions that share our commitment to the sport's future. We look forward to building new rivalries and contributing to the continued success of the GCC."

Throughout its history, Aggie women's water polo has built a reputation of success in the pool, the classroom, and on the international stage. In 2025 alone, the team earned five Big West postseason awards, 18 players landed on the ACWPC All-Academic team, a school record, and sophomore Chelsea Johnson was selected to compete for her home country of Australia in the 2025 World Aquatics U20 Water Polo Championships.

After finishing last season ranked 16th in the nation and a Big West Conference Tournament appearance, the Aggies are ready to take the program to new heights as they prepare to enter a new era.

About the Golden Coast Conference

Founded in 2014, the Golden Coast Conference is committed to fostering the sport of women's water polo through high-level competition, sportsmanship, and the development of student-athletes. The 2025-26 campaign will be the 13th season of the GCC. With the addition of UC Davis and San José State, the GCC continues to evolve as a national leader in women's collegiate water polo.