Personal Statement
I’ve made it. Senior year is here. Throughout high school, middle school and even elementary school, water polo has been my constant. I cannot imagine moving forward without water polo which has given me challenge, discipline, and grounding.
Since my first tournament on my 10th birthday, the rhythm of the year has followed the same pattern, JO season, ODP season, and ultimately adding in the high school season. March 2020 disrupted everything, and while saddened by the experiences I lost, I am also glad at the same time in what I was able to do. I renewed long-neglected friendships, balanced my focus between exercise for health and training for competition, and redoubled my efforts at giving to others through working at the food bank and spending more time coaching.
As we emerge from the lockdown, I am grateful to return to water polo, but with renewed energy and focus. I have learned the value of loyalty, pushed (and rested) through an injury, and have increased confidence. Although quiet by nature, I am known for being vocal with my defense to close out angles and reduce the number of shots taken. I am energized by team comradery, but equally drawn to the solitary ritual of my goalie warm-up separate from the field players.
I know the discipline of water polo will stay with me throughout the remainder of my academic career. I’ve learned to balance the physical demands of a training schedule with a challenging course load, maintaining a 3.96 GPA with improving grades each year. I know this will serve me well as I pursue a biology degree and ultimately pursue a career as an ophthalmologist.
