Dream big, work hard, and make it happen!
JoinAbout Us
Welcome to TRZ Water Polo Club!We are a new water polo club based in Bellevue, WA, dedicated to bringing together people who share a passion for this exciting sport. Our mission is to promote water polo, improve physical fitness, foster teamwork, and inspire a winning spirit.
Coaches
Altay Altayev
• Olympian Tokyo 2020
• Participant in multiple World Championships
• Gold Medalist at the Asian Games, and Medalist at numerous Asian Cups.
• Former captain of my country’s junior and youth national team (15+ years of experience in sports).
• European LEN tournament medalist.
• Coached a professional water polo club in Washington State, winning first place at the Junior Olympics Games.
• As head coach of Sammamish High School, led the team to third place in the Washington State High School Championships.
Success Stories
Noa Dolejsi
Occidental CollegeMy name is Noa Dolejsi and I was coached by Altay Altayev during my time as an 18u at Rain City Water Polo Club. Training with him has helped me improve my skills, game knowledge, and physical fitness significantly which has allowed me the chance to play in college. I am currently attending Occidental College as a freshman on the water polo team.
Nick Yanak
University of UtahI have been playing water polo for 3 years, I am playing for Raincity Water Polo Club and plan on going to University of Utah. Training with Altay was an amazing experience. As an Olympian, he brought knowledge and expertise to practice. He pushed me to improve through challenging swim sets, skill-focused drills, and explaining strategy. Altays high standards pushed me and my team to be the best we could as athletes and individuals. His coaching style brought out the best in his players.
Dash Bottenberg
Former PlayerI recently finished 14 years of playing water polo, the sport was a significant part of my life. Throughout those 14 years I had more coaches come and go than I could keep up with, but Altay stood out as the absolute best. His knowledge, passion and experience made him not only a great coach but also my biggest role model, inspiring me to keep improving. Under Altay’s guidance, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His dedication to the sport and to my team and I left a lasting impact on my life both in and out of the water.
Tony Chorak
University of UtahTraining with Altay gave me a love for the sport again at the peak of an injury, he made me want to play waterpolo again. It’s going to be hard, but that’s the point. You’re going to strive to be the best, that’s the point. It will me you a better player, that’s his hope, you pit in what you get out, put out the most. Since playing with Altay, until February 2024, I took a break for Photos Therapy and personal reasons and now I’m playing for the University of Utah Club team and I couldn’t be happier, Altay change my point of view for waterpolo at a time I didn’t know I need, I have unimaginable gratefulness for Altay.
Ronin Araucto
Augustana CollegeHi, my name is Ronin Araucto, and I’m from Seattle, Washington. I plan to attend Augustana College next year to play water polo. Currently, I’m living in Southern California and playing at 68 Academy while also competing with North Irvine Water Polo. Additionally, I practice with a super team called the Beast Boys, which includes some of the best players in the country. Before moving to California to pursue my goal of playing college water polo, I was coached by Altay for two years at Rain City Water Polo Club. Working with such a high-level coach who played at the highest level was a transformative experience. Hearing about his journey and seeing his dedication firsthand made me realize what it takes to become a great water polo player, including the importance of putting in extra work. During my final year with Altay, we won Junior Olympics. His coaching, leadership, and ability to bring our team together were crucial to our success. Without his guidance and strategies, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve such an incredible accomplishment
Barry Morrissette
Former PlayerMy name is Barry Morrissette. I played water polo for Altay during the 2021 season and absolutely loved him as a coach. Altay was great at connecting with his players through many games and practices. Along with this, Altay turned his athletes into both better water polo players and better people. Altay was able to help me grow as a water polo player.
Filip Petrovic
Wagner CollegeI had the joy of playing under coach Altay for two years, and it was some of the best water polo I could’ve ever learned. I currently play at the collegiate Division 1 level at Wagner College, and without Altay there throughout my final years playing high school polo, I doubt I could’ve ever made it here. The connection Altay makes with the players is something I’ve never seen before. While a coach is a part of the team, there’s always a separation between the coach and the players. With Altay, there was no disconnect. He understood all of us, and we understood him. I know there was a lot of work put in to help me become the man and player I am today, but Altay was a significant stepping stone in helping me get where I am today. Thank you, Altay!
Ben Wu
Purdue UniversityMy club water polo experience wouldn't have been the same without Coach Altay. From the day he began as an assistant coach, our team became intrigued by his vast water polo accomplishments and his lovable personality. When Altay became head coach, our team saw vast improvements in our skills, conditioning, camaraderie, and overall dedication to the sport. I started playing in 2019, and I can confidently say that the two years of training and time spent with Altay significantly helped me succeed as a student and as an athlete at Purdue University. When I first met Altay, I felt unconfident in my abilities in and out of the pool. But Altay's dedication and incredible knowledge helped me change that. From the swim sets to the passing drills, to the halftime huddles, Coach always gave us advice or words of encouragement. I remember multiple instances where I was visibly fatigued or upset—he pulled me to the side and took the time to connect with me. I really couldn't have asked for a better coaching (and life) experience than what I had, and I'm truly grateful. Also, he let us get Shake Shack at Marin Cup, so that's pretty cool. Thanks for being the GOAT.
Levi Bengelink
Wagner CollegeMy name is Levi. I’m currently a senior in high school, playing on Rain City 18U, and I am planning on playing college water polo in Southern California. I had the blessing of playing with Altay as my coach for two years. I have never had a coach as good as Altay. He understands so much about the game and teaches in the smartest ways. Altay helped me become a stronger, more skillful, and more disciplined athlete. Through hard work, success, and setbacks, Altay helped my team become champions this past summer.
Contact Us
Our Facilities
Newport Hills Swim & Tennis Club5464 119th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98006