Esteban Rivera '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Esteban Rivera. I am in the graduating class of 2024. 

 I have been playing for American River Water Polo Club for seven years and have continued my water polo career with River City High School. I signed up for water polo in middle school. I have dedicated countless summers and school nights to practicing and conditioning to become a better water polo player. Some of my fondest memories from high school have been from water polo. There are still games that I remember from the beginning of high school that have only increased my love of this sport. One example of the many fond memories I have of water polo is playing in the semifinals for our league tournament. It was fourth quarter and we were down by one point and one of our rookies shot the ball and scored. My team and I forced the game into overtime and won after my team and I played an intense battle. It felt incredible getting out of the pool with a win on our backs after fighting so hard for four quarters in addition to overtime. Water polo has been close to me because it has been my therapy, joy, and source of happiness. Water polo makes me feel incredibly happy. The feeling I get when I score and the pride I feel when we win.

In college, I would love to continue playing the one sport that has gotten me through the toughest parts of my life. This is the one sport that has made strangers feel like brothers after being around them for a few weeks. This sport has created bonds with guys I will never forget. The memories of playing in tournaments, messing around between games, or even hanging out in the hotel talking in the hot tub after our long day of games. These are memories I will never forget and hope to make more of.