Admitted Student Day is more than just a campus tour; it’s your chance to get to know Pacific. You will get a look inside classrooms, meet our professors and tour campus housing.  

“I think what will stand out the most to students is the opportunity to meet with current, specific students and faculty face to face, ask them their questions and get a feeling for what it is like to be a Pacific Tiger,” said Andew Merenda, director of campus visits and events. “I think many students will walk away with a positive impression of the university and will be able to picture themselves here.” 

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of the day. 

Morning activities

Plan to arrive early for Admitted Student Day to get acquainted with our beautiful campus. Check-in opens at 8:15 a.m. at Burns Tower, located at the university’s Pacific Avenue entrance. 

Early birds can enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Free parking is available all day. Enter the campus from the Pacific Avenue entrance and follow the signs that direct you to our parking lots. Knoles Lawn, located behind Burns Tower, will be the central gathering place for the day’s events, including the Presidential Welcome, lunch, information booths and the closing reception. 

Beginning at 9 a.m., our Tiger Team will be on hand to guide you on campus and housing tours that will depart from Burns Tower every 15 minutes. A special information session for transfer students will also be offered. 

Must-see events 

Academic previews and special interest sessions will begin at 11 a.m. There will be a second set of sessions in the afternoon.  These previews will allow you to step into classrooms and talk with professors about what you can expect in your major. 

The special interest sessions offer a closer look at Pacific’s support offerings like Career Services and academic tutoring and provide opportunities to meet with Residential Life and about the next steps for housing.  

 You can also join the Office of Financial Aid for a presentation to help you better understand your financial aid options and for an opportunity to get your questions answered. 

Sample questions you can ask current students 

Make the most of your visit to Pacific by being curious, exploring all the opportunities available and asking questions of current students. Don’t be shy! You can also ask our Tiger Team members anything. They’ll be wearing orange polos and are ready to assist you throughout the day. 

Campus life questions: 

• What’s the social scene like on campus?  
• What are some must-join clubs or organizations?  
• How do students usually spend their weekends?  
• What’s the food like in the dining halls?  
• Any favorite spots? 
• What’s it like living in the residence halls? 

Academic life questions: 

• What types of opportunities do departments offer that you can take advantage of as a student? 
• How can you get support finding an internship or connecting with research opportunities? 
• What do you like most about your major or classes at Pacific?  
• How accessible and helpful are the professors?  
• What is your favorite class so far, and why?  
• How does academic advising work here?  
• Are there good resources for tutoring or academic help? 
• What are ways that you can get more involved as a student? 

Celebrate your decision!  

When you confirm your enrollment during Admitted Student Day, you’ll get to ring the iconic Burns Tower bells for all to hear. 

“After ringing the bell, confirmed students will then step into the 360-photo booth where orange and black confetti will rain down on them as we capture the thrill and excitement of this unforgettable moment,” Merenda said. 

Plus, you’ll get a voucher to pick up some Pacific spirit gear at the University Bookstore, located in the DeRosa University Center.  

If you haven’t registered yet, check your email for your invitation and the registration link.

If you have any questions before the event, contact Andrew Merenda, Director of Campus Visit Programs and Events, at amerenda@pacific.edu or 209.932.2835. 

Whether you’re a prospective student or a parent, Fall Open House is your chance to explore Pacific’s campus and discover why it’s the perfect fit for you. On Saturday, October 12, you’ll have the chance to get to know Pacific before starting your four-year journey.  

Throughout an activity-filled day, you’ll get to meet Pacific students, faculty and staff who will provide you with insights into our curriculum and campus life. This is also your chance to connect with a lot of your future classmates.  

As an attendee of Fall Open House, you’re also invited to our activity-filled Homecoming and Family Weekend. From making the most of Open House to which Homecoming events to check out, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to prepare for the big weekend. 

Make the most of your day

The highlights of the day will include a personalized tour of campus from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., beginning at Burns Tower. Academic open houses will be held at each school from 10:30 to noon, which is your best opportunity to speak to the college deans and professors about the major you’re interested in. You’ll be able to learn firsthand about our academic programs and student community from our faculty and staff. 

After lunch from noon to 2 p.m., we will provide tours of the residential halls on campus. This will give you an idea of what the first-year Quad community is like before moving in.  

You may also want to attend the financial aid information session in the Long Theatre from 1:15 to 2 p.m. where financial aid counselors will answer questions you and your family may have about financial aid, scholarships and tuition.  

The William Knox Holt Memorial Library will also hold an admission session for transfer students from 1:15 to 2 p.m. where counselors discuss qualifying scholarships and flexible transfer opportunities.  

If you’re a gamer, you may also want to go downstairs and check out the Pacific Gaming Center’s session. It’s a great chance to learn about esports and explore Pacific’s new immersive gaming space.  

Check out the Fall Open House program to plan your day.

Stay for Homecoming

Experience the excitement of Pacific’s annual Homecoming celebration, featuring rousing sporting events, delicious food and live entertainment.  

This is your chance to experience what Pacific’s year-round events are like. You can cheer the Tigers on at the volleyball game in the Alex G. Spanos center, as well as the Women’s soccer team when they hit the field later in the evening. 

Parents might also be interested in Taste of Pacific, an annual homecoming event featuring wine tastings, gourmet food, and vibrant entertainment from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Knoles Lawn. Students may also want to stay for the closing event, Pacific After Dark, a night of concerts and food trucks from 7 – 10 p.m.

Parking and check-in

Enter campus at the 3601 Pacific Avenue entrance, follow the signs to the parking lot. If you have any questions or need help, look for a Tiger Team member in an orange polo shirt. They’ll be happy to guide you. 

You and your family will check in at Burns Tower, the tall white tower at the entrance of campus. Check-in is from 8:15 – 9 a.m. Next door to check-in, we’ll have breakfast waiting for you. 

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year. Just a few more weeks and you can enjoy freedom during winter break without all your responsibilities. But first you must get through finals week. With projects wrapping up and finals quickly approaching, you are likely experiencing some stress. Here are tips from an experienced finals-taker on how to manage your mental health and prevent burnout. 

Try different studying techniques

If you find yourself in a slump with your current studying method or you can’t find the motivation to get started, consider trying one of these new techniques to boost your productivity: 

The Pomodoro technique is an effective way of studying and works by diving your work into regular and short increments with breaks in between them. You study for 25 minutes and take a five-minute break four times, then take a 30-minute break and, finally, repeat the cycle. It is an effective and well-known technique and is especially helpful if you have a short attention span or procrastinate.  

The Animedoro (yes, anime) technique is another studying method that works similarly to Pomodoro. Instead of small five-minute breaks, you work for 40-60 minutes and then reward yourself with a 20-minute break that can be used to watch an episode of your favorite anime or other show. If you choose this method, be sure you have enough self-control to stop after one episode to continue studying! 

Go outside and get some sunlight

We’re lucky to be living in California where the sun is available to us all year round. Take advantage of this luxury and take a break from studying to go for a walk or watch the sunset. According to Stanford Professor of Neurobiology Andrew Huberman, “Exposure to sunlight can have a powerful effect on our health, improve mood and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.” 

If you notice you’re stressing more than usual, get some sunlight. Listen to a podcast or your top artist of the year while you take a stroll around Pacific’s beautiful campus. Just make sure you step outside before 5 p.m. —early sunsets are upon us! 

Spend time with your friends and yourself

As important as your studying seems, your relationships with your friends, family and self are more important. If you feel drained, take a break and recharge with friends or yourself.  

Are you an extrovert or an introvert? If you’re an extrovert, or someone who “recharges” by being around other people, then take study breaks to get coffee or dinner from a restaurant on Miracle Mile with your friends.  

If being around others sounds exhausting, take some time for yourself. Some of my favorite ways to regain energy as an introvert include reading a book, walking around campus with my headphones in or watching a Rom-Com from the comfort of my own bed. Your mental health will thank you for this one, and you’ll have newfound energy to continue being an academic weapon.  

Health is wealth

If your cycle is eat, sleep, study, repeat, make sure that you are prioritizing and doing the first two steps. If you find it difficult to squeeze in full meals between studying, bring a protein bar or nutritional shake to hold you over. While preparing for a long study session, pack a variety of snacks and liquids to keep you properly fueled throughout. 

Determine how many hours of sleep you need to perform and retain information at your best. According to The Sleep Foundation, most college-aged students need seven to nine hours of sleep. If you find yourself feeling sluggish or tired during the day, take a quick 20-minute power nap to reenergize.  

You’re almost at the end. Keep working hard, and good luck studying. You got this! 

Bonus tip: Check out Pacific’s Destress Fest!

Take a break from your studies on Thursday night and check out Pacific’s Destress Fest from 6-9 p.m. at the DeRosa University Center. Play video games, paint mugs, drink hot chocolate and more. Don’t forget to enter the raffle to win prizes like Beats headphones or a new TV! 

Stick around after Destress Fest for Late-Night Breakfast from 10 p.m. to midnight for pancakes, eggs and great company! The event is free to all Pacific students, so fuel up before heading back to your studying  

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

Congrats, Tiger, you made it through midterms! What better way to celebrate than with your family and friends at Homecoming! University of the Pacific will host various events and programs this weekend, from October 13-15, across campus for alumni, family members, students and members of the Pacific community to enjoy.

All events require registration, which can be accomplished in person on October 13 at the Welcome Center in the Alex and Jeri Vereshchagin Alumni House. Here you can also pick up a weekend schedule, name tags and event tickets. Their hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of events you, as a current student, don’t want to miss! 

Movie night under the stars

Grab some pillows and blankets from your dorm room and set them up on the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center Lawn for an outdoor screening of “A Million Miles Away” (PG) on Friday, October 13 at 8 p.m. “A Million Miles Away” tells the inspiring story of Pacific alumnus José Hernández, the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. The event is free, and popcorn will be provided! 

Run, stride or walk around campus

Bright and early on Saturday morning is the Tiger Dash, a family-friendly race around our beautiful campus. There’s a half-mile Cub Run for kids, the timed and certified 5K Tiger Dash and a casual 5K Pack Walk for strollers and pets on leashes. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the official start time is at 8 a.m.  

Breakfast with the president

If you prefer a later start to your Saturday morning, head over to President and First Lady Callahan’s home for a backyard breakfast with live music from Pacific student musicians at 9 a.m. 

Cheer on your Pacific athletics teams across campus

There are four opportunities for you to show school spirit and cheer on your Tigers on Saturday. But before heading over to the women’s volleyball match, stop by the Homecoming lunch and tailgate at 11:30 a.m. for some great barbeque, fun activities, beer/wine and giveaways. Then, head over to Alex G. Spanos Center to watch women’s volleyball take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs at 12:30 p.m. 

After the match, head over to Knoles Field to watch women’s soccer challenge Bay Area foe, Santa Clara Broncos, at 1:30 p.m.  

Next, take your Tiger spirit over to Chris Kjeldsen Pool, where your #13 Pacific men’s water polo team will take on #15 California Baptist at 3 p.m.  

Finally, end your night back on Knoles Field to watch a beautiful Stockton sunset AND men’s soccer match against California at 7 p.m. 

On Sunday, your nationally ranked men’s water polo team will be back in the pool to face #12 UC Santa Barbara. End your Homecoming weekend with a splash!  

Immersive experiences

On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Pacific will be offering free academic experiences to allow alumni, students and families to explore the innovative learning spaces and connect with faculty, Deans and students. These interactive sessions will be led by Pacific faculty members, some of whom are Faculty Mentor Award recipients. 

The Homecoming headquarters is also a great resource for questions and offers device charging stations and light beverages. For more information about this weekend, check out this website. 

See you there, and happy Homecoming! 

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

Being in Greek life is on many people’s college bucket lists and Pacific offers that option too! Here’s everything you need to know about the different Greek organizations at Pacific and why you should consider joining. 

What’s the difference between professional and social Greek life? 

At Pacific, we offer professional and social Greek life. Professional Greek life is based on your academic goals, while social Greek life is based on what group you feel represents you. 

Professional Greek organizations 

Being in professional Greek life provides opportunities to network with young professionals who may work in the industries I want to pursue in the future. Many of the professional fraternities on campus require their members to be a major in a certain field. For example, as a business administration marketing student, I am in the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi.  

Professional fraternities also provide academic and social support while on campus. My fraternity holds brotherhood events, including retreats and Wednesday pick-up basketball games. Even if you come in knowing just two people, you will graduate knowing everyone personally.  

As Delta Sigma Pi’s vice president of professional activities, it’s my job to hold four events a semester. One is risk management related, another focuses on diversity equity and inclusion, and the last two are based on the group’s professional interests or needs.

For the DEI event last semester, we had the opportunity to host the assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion and associate professor of marketing in the business school, Professor Sacha Joseph-Mathews, to educate us on issues surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Social Greek life 

Social Greek life is what probably comes to mind when you think of sororities and fraternities. Many of these organizations have a house on campus and hold social events all year.  

Pacific has seven social Greek organizations and four multicultural Greek organizations on campus. Everyone has a philanthropy they support, recruitment events, social events and fundraising. If decide to join Greek life, you will never be bored. There is always something to do and memories to share.  

My sorority is Kappa Alpha Theta. Our philanthropy is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which supports foster youth. It’s a national organization, but we work directly with our closest CASA in San Joaquin County.

Our annual philanthropy event is CASA Carnival where we raise money to donate to CASA of San Joaquin County. The most popular part of the event is the pies and buckets of water that guests can purchase to throw at a Theta. It gets a little messy, but it’s so much fun. As we like to say, “It’s for the kids!” 

Why should you join Greek Life? 

Joining Greek life is like joining a family. The group should match your energy, be there when you’re down, be ready for that food run or just to sit on each other’s floor to rant about classes. There’s never a dull day being around your Greek family. There’s no pressure to go Greek, but I recommend giving it a try! 

About the author

Mariana Arellano

I’m a second-year marketing major ready to take on the world after graduation in Spring 2025. I’m a busy gal, but I love the organizations I’m in and the positions I hold. I work on campus under federal work-study for Tiger Team in the Office of Admissions as a receptionist and tour guide, I am a member of the executive board of the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi as vice president of professional activities, and on the executive board of social sorority Kappa Alpha Theta as vice president of operations. I am also an honors student in the Pacific Humanities Honors program.

Admitted Student Day 2023 was a roaring success! We were thrilled to welcome hundreds of admitted students and their family members to campus last week to learn about the Pacific experience.  

It was a jam-packed day of exciting activities, including personalized campus tours, interactive classroom sessions with Pacific professors and even a chance to meet the deans.

Plus, our newest Tigers confirmed their enrollment in style by ringing the Burns Tower bells for all to hear! And to keep the party going, we even had a confetti-filled, 360-degree camera on campus to capture the moment.  

What’s next? If you haven’t already confirmed, here are three quick steps to officially join the Pacific family!  

• Say YES to Pacific by confirming your enrollment   
• Make sure you have your FAFSA submitted   
• Complete your housing preference form   

If you have any questions, contact the Office of Admission at admission@pacific.edu or 209.946.2211. 

What do gloves, origami, face masks and hula hoops all have in common? They were all materials used to design pieces in last week’s 11^th Annual Green Fashion Show hosted by Sustaining Pacific, the engagement arm of Pacific’s Sustainability Office.

Fashionable, affordable and sustainable

The theme for this year’s fashion show was “Into the Wild.” It featured 23 designs that were created and modeled by Pacific students and members of the Stockton community. Jessica Bilecki, director of sustainability at Pacific, hopes the event helps raise awareness about fast fashion and the environment.

“We want to find a fun way to show that clothes can be fashionable, while still being affordable and good for the planet,” Bilecki said. “We want people to start thinking about what our clothing is made of, where it’s made and how it’s made.”

Designers entered their work under thrift or upcycle categories. Additional outfits designed by Puffy’s Thrift Mercantile and sustainably purchased aprons representing the Ted and Chris Robb Garden were modeled, too. Each piece had its own story, and designers drew inspiration from a variety of sources.

Inspirations behind the designs

Mimi Lee designed two outfits modeled by her friends, Antonia Peters and William Pham. “Sanctus” and “Memento Mori” were inspired by Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Her upcycled gothic designs used face masks, hula hoops, duct tape and old tablecloths. 

“With these pieces, I wanted people to understand the beauty of Catholicism,” Lee said. “I also wanted to promote Pacific’s Catholic club (@catholictigers on Instagram) that we’re all members of.”

The Origami Club was another Pacific club that participated in the event. Their design called, “Kaminokawa – The Paper River,” was modeled by Ashley Wen. This unique dress, with a train, was entirely made of paper and featured origami animals and flowers scattered throughout. The finishing touch was a matching umbrella with orange and white koi fish painted on top. The Origami Club’s dress won the Popular Vote category.

Other winners of the night included Alyssa Gonzales’s “Hip Hugger Suit,” Laura Heller’s “Wild Flower” and Kari Orejel Ochoa’s “Still Fingering It Out.” Designs ranged from elegant gowns  to a mid-runway outfit change that revealed a butterfly-inspired piece to self-quilted jeans to a mushroom hat and more. 

In addition to the fashion show, the event also featured a buffet of plant-based foods, a raffle, various eco-friendly organization booths and a performance by HINAGIRL.

More ways to get involved with Sustaining Pacific

If you are interested in participating in next year’s event, Bilecki recommends subscribing to Sustaining Pacific’s newsletter and watching for the sign-up sheets ahead of time. “We always do a call for models, designers and planning committee members well before the fashion show and encourage everyone to come out,” Bilecki said. You can also follow Sustaining Pacific on Instagram (@sustaining_pacific) for updates on events and giveaways.

Here are Sustaining Pacific’s events for Sustainability Month: 

April 14: 4-6 p.m.

T-Shirt Tote Bag Workshop at William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center

April 17: 5 p.m.

An Evening with Kristy Drutman in the DUC Ballroom 

April 21: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sustainability Fair and Clothing Swap on the DUC lawn

I hope to see you there! 

PS: If you can’t make it, but still want to get involved, do not worry. There are many opportunities to volunteer, donate or become a member of the Green Team. Check out its Linktree on Instagram or website for more information.

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

Did you get a head start on your career goals by attending the Spring Internship & Job Fair last week? If you did, I hope you had a great experience—and maybe even landed an internship. If you couldn’t make it, no worries! Here’s a recap of the event.

Every year, University of the Pacific hosts its Spring Internship and Job Fair in the DeRosa University Center. In addition to the in-person event on Tuesday, March 28, Career Services also offered a virtual event later in the week for those who could not join in person. Over 70 employers from various industries gathered in the ballroom looking to hire Pacific students and alumni of all majors and school years.

What we learned

Employers hire a diverse range of majors. Lan Phan, a marketing student graduating in 2024, brought resumes with her for employers. “I was surprised to see that companies who seemed to specialize in a certain field were hiring from a variety of majors,” she said. “Blackwing (pencils and tools manufacturer) interested me the most because they were looking for marketing and Media X majors.”

A variety of positions are available. Whether you were looking for a summer internship or a full-time job, there are many different opportunities across all sectors. Some positions are flexible and will accommodate full-time college students.  

Job fairs aren’t exclusively for those seeking work. It’s a great space to network, educate yourself about career options and learn from recruiters in your industry. Economics major Paige Vieira attended to gain insights from employers. “I asked for the characteristics of their best employees,” Paige said. “I learned that the best employees were the individuals who had positive mindsets, worked hard and weren’t afraid to ask their superiors questions.”

Other career events to check out at Pacific

The Internship and Job Fair is not the only career event hosted at Pacific, so don’t worry if you weren’t able to make it this time! There are a variety of opportunities to prepare for your career throughout the school year, like Meet Your Future Mock Interview Week and the Eberhardt School’s Meet the Firms.  

Tanner Johnson, a sports management major and member of Pacific’s men’s soccer team, attended Meet the Firms in the fall. The event opened his eyes to the variety of paths and directions he can go with his major. 

“I realized that there were connections between my major and different companies that were not exactly clear on the surface,” Tanner explained. “I came into the event not really knowing what to expect, but I thought it was a great experience.”

What to do next

Reflect on the event. Did you achieve your initial plan? Whether you attended for the experience or on the hunt for a job, here are steps you can take to ensure you take advantage of all future opportunities and events:

1. Follow up ASAP. If there is an opening to secure an interview, submit your application as soon as possible. Or if you are just looking to stay in touch, send them an email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time at the fair.
2. Research. If this was your first-time hearing about a company, look them up online and learn more about them.
3. Make an appointment with Career Services through Handshake. Take advantage of this resource (free for Pacific students) for advice on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, job and internship search strategies and more. 
4. Stay up to date about career events on campus. Check out Pacific Career Services’ website or follow them @uopcareer on Instagram for news and updates.

It is never too early to start thinking about and preparing for your future, so start taking advantage of all the resources Pacific has to offer. I hope to see you at next year’s event!

About the author

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

You’re in luck if you want a place to watch the remainder of the FIFA World Cup matches! Students have been gathering in the Lair to watch their favorite teams, as the Division of Student Life has been hosting a series of watch parties with games featured on multiple screens.  

Last week’s USA game against Iran brought a large crowd, and the energy in the room was electric.  “It’s really fun to watch the games here, the food is great, and I am excited to be able to watch with my friends,” said Jai Sahni, a student and player for Pacific’s Men’s Soccer team. 

The Lair, located on the second floor of the DeRosa University Center, features multiple screens for viewing pleasure, food and drinks, and a giant World Cup bracket. You’ll find even more World Cup fun on the first floor of the DeRosa University Center. Students are featured in pictures holding the flag of the team they are rooting for.  

Executive Director of Campus Life Donte Miller hopes to continue hosting watch parties in the Lair so students can have a space to have fun and connect with their peers. 

Update: The Men’s Water Polo team will compete against UC Berkeley in the national semi-finals at 2 p.m., Saturday. You’re welcome to join the festivities as we cheer them on at the watch party in The Lair on the second floor of the DeRosa University Center.

Whew! Is it just me, or is anyone else’s heart still racing from the USA vs Iran match? The World Cup is in full force right now, but so is the NCAA Men’s Water Polo National Championships. Might I suggest taking a break from fútbol and coming out to support your Pacific Tigers Men’s Water Polo team as they play in the Opening Round on Thursday?

If you haven’t been following Men’s Water Polo, let me catch you up to speed. Living up to their “Water Polo U” nickname, the Tigers finished 7th in the nation and 1st in the Golden Coast Conference, with their entire seven-man starting lineup receiving all-conference awards. This will be Pacific’s fifth postseason appearance and their third in the last five seasons. They finished runner-up in both 2013 and 2019.

Elite athletes from around the world comprise this championship team. Over the summer, current players Reuel D’Souza, Jeremie Cote and Bogdan Djerkovic represented Team Canada at the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. They are looking to represent them again at the 2024 Paris Olympics.    

Watch Party at The Lair

Ready to come out and support? The Tigers are taking on the UC Davis Aggies at the Spieker Aquatic Center on California’s campus in Berkeley at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 1.

The Pacific community is encouraged to attend the free watch party at The Lair, on the second floor of the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center.

In addition to streaming the match on their new 16,000-Lumen Panasonic laser projector and six 70” 4K ultra high-definition video displays, The Lair will be serving their usual pub-fare with special dishes by guest Bon Appétit Pizza and Pasta Chef, Giuseppe Randazzo.

Water Polo 101

To help you understand what some consider the most physically demanding sport, here are seven fast facts about water polo:

1. Each team starts at their own goal lines and a swim off starts each period. Whoever reaches the ball in the center of the field first has possession. 
2. Six field players and a goalie are trying to outscore their opponents before the end of the game. In some cases, teams will have to play with less when exclusion or major fouls have occurred. Some examples include: kicking or striking an opponent, using foul language, or intentionally splashing water in an opponent’s face.
3. A player can only use one hand to hold the ball. They have to dribble or swim with the ball in front of them or pass it to a teammate to advance it.
4. If you touch the bottom of the pool, possession is turned over to your opponent. Players must keep themselves afloat by treading water and using the alternating leg kick method known as eggbeater.
5. Similar to basketball, there is a 30-35 second shot clock and games are played in quarters ranging from six to eight minutes. If no shot has been made when the shot clock runs out, possession is turned over to the defending team.
6. Goggles are prohibited and water polo bathing caps are to be worn at all times for safety reasons. Players purposefully wear tight-fitting swimsuits to make it difficult for their opponents to grab onto them during a game.
7. There are several different positions in water polo. Most teams use one center forward, one center back, two wings and two drivers. The center forward is their main attacking player and you can recognize them because they will be directly in front of the opponent’s goal.   

Think you got it? I can assure you, this quick-paced sport will be nothing less than exciting to watch. With rowdy cheering, players jostling and constant scoring, what’s not to love? Take your newfound knowledge to The Lair on Thursday to cheer on your Tigers. Hope to see you there! 

Learn more about the Men’s Water Polo team here.

About the author

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.