Princeton University’s women’s water polo team has recently made notable strides, securing impressive victories and setting new records. In the 2024 season, the Tigers delivered an undefeated performance in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA), culminating in their second consecutive conference title. This achievement marks only the second time in the program’s history that they have won back-to-back CWPA championships. The team’s success is underscored by standout individual performances, including Kayla Yelensky’s remarkable season, where she earned a spot on the second-team All-America list with a career-high 69 goals, 23 assists, and significant contributions in drawn ejections and steals. Additionally, Lindsey Lucas achieved honorable mention All-America status and was named CWPA Player of the Year, becoming only the third player in Princeton’s history to receive this honor.
The 2023 spring season was a landmark period for the Tigers, as they clinched their first conference title since 2015 with a decisive 12-8 victory over Harvard. The team finished with a stellar 30-4 record, becoming only the third in Princeton’s history to achieve at least 30 wins in a single season. This success also marked their first-ever appearance in the national semifinals, a significant milestone as they became the first non-West Coast team to reach the Final Four since 2016. The season was further distinguished by having four All-Americans, a first for the program, highlighting the team’s exceptional talent and performance.
The men’s water polo team also had a historic 2023 season, setting a program record with 28 wins and securing their third consecutive Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) title. This achievement led them to the NCAA Semifinals for the first time under the expanded NCAA bracket format. The team was highlighted by three All-Americans, with Roko Pozaric receiving first-team honors and becoming the first Tiger to achieve this status. Pozaric was also a finalist for the Cutino Award, further emphasizing the team’s high level of play. Princeton’s impressive season also included a record-breaking 471 goals and a notable achievement as the first CWPA team to win three straight conference titles since Navy in 2008.
In previous years, the men’s team saw significant achievements, including four All-Americans in 2022, marking the first time in program history. They reached the NCAA Quarterfinals in consecutive years and achieved historic victories such as defeating Stanford for the first time. The 2021 season saw the men’s team capture their sixth NWPC title and a series of notable wins against nationally ranked opponents. The women’s team also had a strong showing in 2022, finishing third in the CWPA and achieving multiple victories over top-25 teams, continuing their impressive form from previous seasons.
Before joining Princeton, Dustin Litvak, the current assistant coach for the women’s water polo team, amassed extensive experience at UCLA, where he contributed to the men’s team’s 2014 national title and the women’s team’s MPSF championship. His previous coaching roles include Occidental College and Agoura High School, where he achieved numerous accolades, including Marmonte League Coach of the Year and CIF Championships. Litvak also had a notable role with USA Water Polo, helping the men’s youth national team win a gold medal at the 2017 UANA Youth Championships. Litvak’s extensive coaching background and achievements have significantly contributed to the success of Princeton’s water polo programs.