Purpose Driven Champions
RECENT NEWS
CBU Joins the Big West Conference in 2026-2027
Head Coach
Julie Snodgrass
About Coach Snodgrass
Coach Julie Snodgrass brings a wealth of experience and a strong legacy of leadership to California Baptist University’s Women’s Water Polo program. With a coaching career rooted in player development, program building, and competitive excellence, Coach Snodgrass leads with a clear vision: develop athletes who dominate in the pool and lead with integrity in life.
Coach Snodgrass has guided athletes at every level — helping them grow not just as players, but as students, leaders, and people of character.
Coaching Mission and Vision
My mission is to cultivate a highly competitive Division I water polo program with a healthy team culture. I live to equip and empower people to boldly step into their purpose with their giftings. I wake up in the morning to help athletes become the best version of themselves in and out of the water. We are committed to developing strong, confident young women who compete with joy, love their team, and live with purpose.
Coaching Highlights
- Head Coach at the NCAA Division I and II levels
- 2018 D2 coach of the year
- Mentored numerous All-Conference and Academic Award recipients
- Known for team culture transformation and steady program growth
- Strong advocate for women in sport and holistic athlete development
Education & Credentials
- M.A. in Education- California Baptist University
- B.A. in English– California Baptist University
Why CBU?
“CBU develops strong women, not just strong athletes. We offer a powerful combination of purpose, community, and competition. Our program values high standards — athletically, academically, and personally — and I love seeing young women rise to that challenge.”
At CBU, Coach Snodgrass fosters an environment where athletes are encouraged to pursue excellence in every area of life, supported by elite coaching and strong university resources.
Off the Deck
Coach Snodgrass is married with a unique family make up that she LOVES. She has older twins that joined the family as teenagers and are now adults! And surprise… she is a grandma! She has two boys at home who are only 7 months apart and loves that God has given her a family in this way. If you ask her, “Four kids, for the price of one pregnancy is a great ROI!” Apart from her family, she volunteers at her church mentoring and equipping leaders to live on purpose, for a purpose.
A Message to Recruits
“We are building something special here — and we’re looking for athletes who are hungry to grow, both as players and as people. If you love to compete, care about your teammates, and want to push yourself in new ways, I’d love to hear from you.”
TEAM > I
Assistant Coach
Chelsea Shortall
About Coach Shortall
Coach Chelsea Shortall brings over 14 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and II levels, along with a deep passion for developing student-athletes both in and out of the water. A former collegiate and national team pipeline athlete herself, Coach Shortall leads with a competitive edge, a focus on discipline, and a heart for mentoring young women as they grow in character, confidence, and leadership. Since joining CBU, Coach Shortall has helped the program rise in national recognition, recruiting top talent, securing major wins over ranked opponents, and cultivating a team culture centered on grit, growth, and integrity.
Coaching Philosophy
"We train with purpose, we compete with joy, and we lead with love."
Coach Shortall believes in coaching the whole athlete — emphasizing not only physical performance but also emotional resilience, academic excellence, and personal accountability. Her practices balance intensity with intention, always designed to prepare athletes for the biggest moments in sport and in life.
Coaching Highlights
- 14+ years of NCAA coaching experience (DI & DII)
- Coached numerous All-Conference and Academic All-Americans
- Assistant coach for USA Water Polo Olympic Development Programs
- Former standout center — NCAA All-American & National Team pipeline athlete
Education & Credentials
- M.S. in Gerontology and Counseling - University of La Verne
- B.S. in Psychology with Minors in Gerontology and Counseling- California State University, Northridge
Why CBU?
“I coach at CBU because it’s more than just a team — it’s a family. This program allows me to invest in young women as athletes, leaders, and people of purpose. We compete at the highest level while staying grounded in faith, discipline, and connection. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping our players grow and achieve their goals — in and out of the pool.”
Off the Deck
Outside of water polo, Coach Shortall enjoys being with her kids, going to local amusement parks, traveling with her family, and grabbing some good tacos. She is passionate about mentoring young women and takes pride in seeing her athletes thrive long after graduation.
A Message to Recruits
“We’re looking for athletes who love the game, are ready to work, and want to be part of something bigger than themselves. If you want to be challenged and celebrated — and if you want to grow as a competitor, student, and teammate — we’d love to connect with you.”
I love the team culture and how everyone is so kind and welcoming, I think our team all has a drive that makes you want to work. - CBU Athlete
CBU Women’s Water Polo is more than just a team — it’s a family built on faith, fierce competitiveness, and a commitment to growth both in and out of the pool. What sets us apart is our wholistic approach: we don’t just develop great athletes, we develop leaders with purpose.
Our program offers
- Elite coaching that focuses on technical mastery, game intelligence, and mental toughness.
- A supportive culture rooted in Christian values, where athletes are encouraged to grow spiritually and personally.
- Access to top-tier facilities and a dedicated strength & conditioning coach who helps prevent injuries and builds strength year-round.
- A tight-knit team that genuinely supports and encourages each other, creating a positive environment for success.
- The perfect balance of small-campus community with big-division resources, providing personalized attention and big opportunities.
The team has such a great bond with a common goal in mind, to win. We know we have to work hard to reach our goals. - CBU Athlete
If you want to compete at the highest level, grow your faith, and be part of a program that cares about the whole person — there’s no better place than CBU Women’s Water Polo.
At CBU, we are incredibly proud of the facilities our student-athletes use every day — they’re not only high quality, but they create an environment where athletes can grow, compete, and thrive. Beyond the pool, our Athletic Performance Center is where our athletes build strength, confidence, and team chemistry. This 10,800 square foot training facility features:
- Ecore sports flooring and 6-lane, 30-yard field turf
- 14 squat racks (Power-Lift & Cybex)
- 5 Cybex functional trainers
- 2 Pit Sharks
- 4 Keiser functional trainers and 5 Keiser M3i bikes
- 6 rowing ergs, 3 Versapulleys, 3 Versaclimbers
- 12 Powerblock dumbbells, kettlebells up to 68 lbs
- Glute ham developers & reverse hyper machines
- A dedicated nutrition area for proper fueling and recovery
It’s great to have a coach in the APC who helps us lift and get stronger. He writes us workouts and coaches us through it. We get free snacks after our workouts which is nice. - CBU Athlete
We are also fortunate to have a dedicated Strength and Conditioning Coach, David Herd, who has been an incredible asset to our program. Coach Herd designs individualized training programs that not only make our athletes the strongest they’ve ever been, but also help in preventing injuries and increasing overall performance in the water.
The facility is also open year-round, giving athletes who stay local during breaks or summer the ability to continue training and maintaining their progress.
At CBU, our facilities and support staff reflect the investment we make in developing elite student-athletes — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
CBU Academics and Support
I love being a student-athlete here at CBU because of all the resources available... our athletic trainer, he is so good at his job and helps our recovery...our athletic advisor, helps with classes- making it quick and not stressful for schedules. - CBU Athlete
Academics
- Dedicated Athletic Academic Advising: Specialized advisors work directly with student-athletes to plan class schedules around training, travel, and competition.
- The Office of Student Success: Offers coaching, academic planning, and individualized student success plans to help keep you on track.
- University Tutoring Center (Free Tutoring): One-on-one and group tutoring available for most subjects, including general ed and major-specific classes.
- Writing Center Support: Get expert feedback on papers, essays, and projects.
- Disability & Accessibility Support: Academic accommodations available to help every student perform at their best.
- Success Workshops: Time management, study skills, stress management — skill-building workshops offered regularly.
The professors are supportive about athletes and are understanding with our schedule. -CBU AthleteSupport
Wholistic Support
- Office of Spiritual Life: Provides soul care and support as you walk along your spiritual journey. Campus pastors lead our weekly chapel experience, one-on-one spiritual mentoring & discipleship groups, local and global service projects, and spiritual leadership development
- Wellness Center: Because we care about every part of your journey, CBU offers personal counseling, mental health support, and life coaching to walk with you through every challenge, transition, and season of growth.
- Sports Medicine: You’ll have a full team behind you to help prevent injuries, recover quickly, and stay healthy all season long — your body is fully cared for here. A highly trained Athletic Trainer travels with the team to every competition during season. We provide top-level care using the best treatments, technology, and recovery methods to keep you healthy and performing at your best.
- Sports Psychology: Just awarded #1 Sports Psychology program by sportspsychology.org. We partner with its own graduate program to provide weekly engaging and practical team sports psychology sessions focused on mental strength, leadership, and performance. Personalized one-on-one support is available to every athlete who wants additional coaching or care.
Career Center
- 1-on-1 Career Coaching: Personalized sessions to help you explore majors, career paths, and life after sports.
- Internship & Job Placement Support: Help finding internships and job opportunities that fit your interests and schedule — even while you compete.
- Career Fairs & Employer Connections: Regular events bring companies, organizations, and grad schools directly to campus to meet you.
- Resume, Interview, and LinkedIn Prep: Hands-on help crafting a professional resume, sharpening interview skills, and building your LinkedIn profile.
- Lifetime Career Assistance (Even After Graduation): Career coaching doesn’t stop when you graduate — CBU alumni can access career services for life.
Our athletes are more than just students and players — they’re known, supported, and valued at every level.
Living at CBU
Living at CBU: Your Home Away From Home
At CBU, where you live is more than just where you sleep — it's where lifelong friendships form, late-night laughs echo, and community takes root. With modern residence halls designed for comfort, connection, and growth, you’ll have space to thrive.
- Suite-Style & Apartment-Style Housing: Live in updated, clean, and community-oriented spaces — from double-room suites to fully equipped apartments.
- Partially Furnished: dining table, couches, beds, dressers, desks, and book shelves.
- Outdoor Lounges and High-Speed Wi-Fi: All the essentials are covered so you can focus on life, school, and sport.
- 24/7 Security + RA Support: Safety and support are always close by.
- Diverse Community: Living with students from across the globe adds color, culture, and new perspectives to your daily life.
Residence Life Events: Built-In Fun & Faith
CBU’s Res Life team is all about making campus feel like home — and that means throwing some of the best events around.
- Block Parties, Pool Bash, Late-Night Breakfasts – Fun traditions you’ll look forward to all year.
- Faith-Focused Gatherings – Optional devotionals, worship nights, and spiritual check-ins keep your soul anchored.
- Intentional Community – Your RA won’t just do room checks — they’ll know your name, your goals, and how to cheer you on.
Whether you’re roasting s’mores, building blanket forts during finals, or just enjoying a movie night in the commons, you’ll experience life deeply — not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually too.
I stayed in Tower and it was such a fun experience rooming with two of my teammates. We loved our room and we loved hanging out with each other. - CBU Athlete
Dining at CBU
- Top-Ranked Dining: CBU ranks #2 for Best College Food in California and #4 in the U.S. (Niche.com).
- Features 10 award-winning dining locations across campus.
- Meals are fresh, flavorful, and cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
From Campus to Competition
Transportation at CBU is smooth, convenient, and reliable. We have our own fleet of motor coach buses that make team travel efficient and comfortable — a major bonus for our student-athletes.
In addition, campus shuttles run regularly to off-campus academic buildings, making it easy to get to class or labs without stress.
Whether you’re traveling across town or across the state, CBU makes sure you get there safely and in style.
What Do our Athletes Say about CBU?
We like to go to the beach which is like an hour away. That is the main thing we do when we go off campus. Or we like to go get sweet treats which there are a lot of options around. - CBU Athlete
Being off campus is nice to have a different experience and their are a lot of food places, good coffee shops and shopping centers. As a team we get boba A LOT. Downtown riverside is really nice and cute to walk around. - CBU Athlete
Life outside of sports is so nice and a good escape from practices. I love going to SL (bible study) nights and meeting new people, and going to clubs for my major and meeting other people that I will be with for all four years too. -CBU Athlete
OUR ALUMNI
Our CBU Women’s Water Polo alumni go on to do amazing things after their time in the pool ends. Many pursue careers in medicine, education, business, engineering, counseling, and ministry, while others step into roles as coaches, photographers, veterinarians, therapists, and community leaders. We’ve had alumnae become doctors, nurses, teachers, military officers, and graduate students at top programs across the country.
Many of our alumni are also mothers, pouring the same passion, strength, and care they brought to the pool into raising the next generation. No matter the path, they leave CBU with more than just a degree — they leave with confidence, purpose, and a deep sense of who they are. The lessons they learned through water polo — teamwork, discipline, resilience, and faith — go with them into every chapter of life. And whether they’re serving their communities, raising families, or leading in their fields, they’re still living out what it means to be a Lancer for life.
Team Roster
2026/2027 Competition Schedule
Are you ready to be a Lancer?
Step into purpose. Compete with joy.
Steps to take
- Use the link below to fill out our recruiting questionnaire.
- Email us, be sure to include both coaches.
- Send us your schedules so we can be sure to come watch you play.
CONTACT US
Head Coach Julie Snodgrass - jsnodgrass@calbaptist.edu, (951) 343-8746
Assistant Coach Chelsea Shortall - cshortall@calbaptist.edu , (951) 552-8697