The USC water polo team has achieved remarkable success both in academic performance and competitive play. Recently, the team secured its 20th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance while also clinching its third straight MPSF Tournament title. Among its distinguished athletes is Carson Kranz, a team captain and 2025 graduate who has led the team to four NCAA championship appearances and earned academic honors from the MPSF three times.
Kranz, along with six other players, has been recognized on the 6-8 Sports MPSF All-Academic Scholar-Athlete list. He attributes part of this academic success to the mentorship and guidance within the team, which has fostered a cultural shift in prioritizing education. “If you look at USC water polo 10 years ago, there were maybe two or three guys in the business school. Now it’s a majority,” Kranz noted, highlighting the increasing number of athletes pursuing business education at the USC Marshall School of Business.
The competitive atmosphere at USC, both in athletics and academics, has helped shape Kranz’s perspective on his future. He believes that the university equips athletes for success beyond their sporting careers. “Marshall’s very competitive. It’s not a bad thing to have that on your resume,” he said, underscoring the appeal of the business school to incoming freshmen, particularly those involved in sports.
Kranz exemplifies the dedication required to excel in both academics and athletics. “I’ve been balancing [academics and athletics] since high school — getting up at 5 a.m. to go to 6 a.m. practice and then sitting through six periods of class. That really prepared me for USC,” he explained. His determination and commitment to both realms pave the way for a promising future.
In choosing to minor in entrepreneurship, Kranz aims to broaden his professional opportunities while complementing his major in real estate development. He appreciates the diversity of courses available and the chance to learn from peers who are also aspiring entrepreneurs. “The minor allowed me to explore a lot of different classes in Marshall,” he stated, noting the valuable insights gained from classmates who have already launched successful businesses.
Kranz’s educational journey at USC Marshall has been enriched by memorable experiences, particularly in his course with Albert Napoli, a senior lecturer in clinical entrepreneurship. In Napoli’s BAEP 452: Feasibility Analysis, students are required to develop business ideas, conduct market research, and present their proposals. Kranz valued the practical approach of the course, which emphasized collaboration and discussions. “It was good to see and learn about a market that you’re not familiar with and figure out how to scale a business,” he recalled.
As Kranz approaches graduation, he faces a pivotal decision between pursuing a career in real estate development or continuing his athletic journey in water polo. He recognizes the emotional challenges that student-athletes often encounter during this transition. “It’s really challenging mentally, more so because you’re trying to find your way and where you fit into this world,” he said. Despite the pressure, he remains optimistic, taking each day as it comes.
Reflecting on his time at USC, Kranz expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him. “I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to have come here and study under so many different brilliant people and professors and have the opportunity to play with such a prestigious program,” he said. The foundation he has built at USC, both academically and personally, positions him well for whatever path he chooses next.
