The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) is more than a world-class facility; it’s a lifeline for athletes, families, and the Pasadena community. Through its expanded financial assistance program, RBAC is breaking barriers and creating opportunities, ensuring that financial challenges don’t prevent anyone from accessing its life-changing programs. For many, like a young water polo athlete, Yolotzin Sudias (Yoli), the RBAC’s support is the difference between giving up and dreaming bigger. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoli’s former water polo team struggled financially, making participation feel impossible. “I thought I’d have to give up the sport I loved just because we couldn’t afford it anymore,” she shared. That’s when RBAC stepped in. Its financial assistance program provided the support needed to join the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club, reigniting a passion for the sport and sparking a bigger dream: playing water polo at Caltech. “Being part of a club team again motivated me in a new way,” they said. “The RBAC and RBAC WP helped me believe in myself and gave me the confidence to go after my dream.” The RBAC’s financial assistance program ensures accessibility for all. Two years ago, it was redesigned to remove additional barriers. Led by RBAC Chief Operating Officer Arvin Varma, the program expanded eligibility criteria and rebranded from “scholarship” to “financial assistance” to clarify its purpose. Applicants can now qualify using diverse documentation, such as unemployment benefits, Medi-Cal, or social security documentation. The program offers a 50% fee reduction for qualified applicants, with Pasadena residents receiving up to 75% coverage thanks to a partnership with the City of Pasadena. This comprehensive support system has far-reaching impacts. Many former recipients have gone on to earn scholarships to prestigious institutions like CalTech, USC, and Cornell as well as many others. RBAC also goes beyond financial aid, offering mentorship, workshops on technique, nutrition, and college preparedness, and guest speakers like Paralympian Jamal Hill, and Olympians Betsey Mitchell, John Naber, and Rowdy Gaines to name a few. These resources empower young student-athletes to succeed in and out of the pool. Yoli’s story is just one of many that demonstrate the RBAC’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence. “It’s about creating opportunities and uplifting lives for young athletes and their families,” says Varma. RBAC aims to expand its assistance levels even further. “If we get more community support, we could potentially offer 100% assistance in the future,” Varma shares. We are more than a pool, shares Interim Executive Director and CFO Melanie Sauer. “Our impact extends beyond athletes, we are an integrated community where people of all backgrounds can thrive. From swim lessons for children to programs for seniors, we want everyone to have access to water safety and the joy of aquatics.” The RBAC’s dedication to community engagement is evident through initiatives like weekly newsletters, social media updates, and quarterly coffee events where patrons can connect with coaches and program leaders. For athletes like Yoli, who once thought water polo was out of reach, the RBAC was the bridge to new possibilities. Now working toward her goals at Caltech, she shares a message of gratitude for the RBAC and the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club. “I’m so grateful for the chance the RBAC gave me, to keep playing, stay motivated, and dream bigger than I ever thought possible.” Every contribution helps keep dreams like this and others alive. Ready to be part of the ONE RBAC legacy? Join us and support the RBAC’s mission to make aquatics accessible for all Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free. Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m. Top of the News

How the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Transforms Lives Through Access and Opportunity

Yoli’s story is just one of many that demonstrate the RBAC’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence. “It’s about creating opportunities and uplifting lives for young athletes and their families,” says Varma. For many, like a young water polo athlete, Yolotzin Sudias (Yoli), the RBAC’s support is the difference between giving up and dreaming bigger. RBAC […]

Yoli’s story is just one of many that demonstrate the RBAC’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence. “It’s about creating opportunities and uplifting lives for young athletes and their families,” says Varma.
For many, like a young water polo athlete, Yolotzin Sudias (Yoli), the RBAC’s support is the difference between giving up and dreaming bigger.

RBAC aims to expand its assistance levels even further. “If we get more community support, we could potentially offer 100% assistance in the future,” Varma shares.
“I’m so grateful for the chance the RBAC gave me, to keep playing, stay motivated, and dream bigger than I ever thought possible.”
RBAC also goes beyond financial aid, offering mentorship, workshops on technique, nutrition, and college preparedness, and guest speakers like Paralympian Jamal Hill, and Olympians Betsey Mitchell, John Naber, and Rowdy Gaines to name a few. These resources empower young student-athletes to succeed in and out of the pool.
Every contribution helps keep dreams like this and others alive. Ready to be part of the ONE RBAC legacy? Join us and support the RBAC’s mission to make aquatics accessible for all
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoli’s former water polo team struggled financially, making participation feel impossible. “I thought I’d have to give up the sport I loved just because we couldn’t afford it anymore,” she shared.
Applicants can now qualify using diverse documentation, such as unemployment benefits, Medi-Cal, or social security documentation. The program offers a 50% fee reduction for qualified applicants, with Pasadena residents receiving up to 75% coverage thanks to a partnership with the City of Pasadena.
The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) is more than a world-class facility; it’s a lifeline for athletes, families, and the Pasadena community. Through its expanded financial assistance program, RBAC is breaking barriers and creating opportunities, ensuring that financial challenges don’t prevent anyone from accessing its life-changing programs.
This comprehensive support system has far-reaching impacts. Many former recipients have gone on to earn scholarships to prestigious institutions like CalTech, USC, and Cornell as well as many others.
We are more than a pool, shares Interim Executive Director and CFO Melanie Sauer. “Our impact extends beyond athletes, we are an integrated community where people of all backgrounds can thrive. From swim lessons for children to programs for seniors, we want everyone to have access to water safety and the joy of aquatics.”
The RBAC’s financial assistance program ensures accessibility for all. Two years ago, it was redesigned to remove additional barriers. Led by RBAC Chief Operating Officer Arvin Varma, the program expanded eligibility criteria and rebranded from “scholarship” to “financial assistance” to clarify its purpose.
“Being part of a club team again motivated me in a new way,” they said. “The RBAC and RBAC WP helped me believe in myself and gave me the confidence to go after my dream.”
Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
The RBAC’s dedication to community engagement is evident through initiatives like weekly newsletters, social media updates, and quarterly coffee events where patrons can connect with coaches and program leaders.
That’s when RBAC stepped in. Its financial assistance program provided the support needed to join the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club, reigniting a passion for the sport and sparking a bigger dream: playing water polo at Caltech.