The CWPA is the largest water polo conference in the country with teams in 75% of the states nationwide. Including both intercollegiate varsity competition and club competition, it stands as the only conference of this type. The mission of the organization is to enhance and enrich the student-athlete experience by providing service that goes above and beyond what is expected. The Collegiate Water Polo Association originally began as the Mid Atlantic Conference, founded by Dick Russell (Bucknell University swimming & water polo coach) in the 1970’s. Its founding membership included teams from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Today the CWPA is the largest water polo conference in the country with teams in 75% of the states nationwide. Including both intercollegiate varsity competition and club competition, it stands as the only conference of this type. Due to its breadth and influence, the conference plays a pivotal role in the sport of water polo today, which will only increase in the future as it continues to grow.