Xavier Mckenzie '23 Recruiting Profile

            I was born in the US and raised in Australia on the beach. As a young kid, I was attracted to all sports, especially water sports. I started swimming and surf lifesaving at five years of age. I have played competitive A grade Lacrosse, Cricket, Australian Rules Football, Soccer, Baseball, football, Volleyball and Beach volleyball (US ranked junior). When I started high school I decided to try out for Water Polo (a combination of my ball and watersports background). In my first season, I was the tallest on the team so I was shoved into goalie. From here I really learned a lot about positional attack and the need for solid defense. As soon as I got the chance to come out onto the field, my swimming skills really shone through. That season we went undefeated. The targeted training I had endured as a goalie gave me a strong base of mobility and strength with treading. Armed with agility, speed, and passion. I was brought up to Varsity in my sophomore year where my knowledge of the game and physical game began to expand. I have become a versatile utility/right-wing player. 

Outside of waterpolo I enjoy surfing, basketball, and learning new skills, examples being snowboarding and rock climbing. Last summer I taught myself how to do a backflip. I'm also a lifeguard at my local pool. I have a consistent work ethic, even helping teammates and friends work harder. The taste of competition and showcasing my skills has kept me pushing hard. I believe that it is important to adapt quickly to new problems and situations. But a wise man once said, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure” -Colin Powell. Coaches know me as the guy who plays hard on the field, while my opponents know me from my proper sportsmanship.