Elijah "Eli" Sternweiler '22 Recruiting Profile

One of the greatest things I've learned about myself these past few years is that when I find something I'm passionate about I'm capable of working harder than I ever thought possible to attain my goals. Water Polo has become one of those passions. From the moment I started playing, halfway through 7th grade, I knew it was the sport for me. Being from the Midwest, I only wish I'd had the opportunity to discover water polo sooner.

As a Senior, I've found that architecture, urban planning or liberal arts with a focus on the environmental, are areas I've become most interested in these past two years, though I have excelled in science. I feel at this point that any of those are paths I may choose to pursue in college. As well, I've realized that I'm an out-of-the-box, visual thinker, and love working hands-on. In the meanwhile, my goal right now is to continue to work hard in school and strive towards the highest level of academic achievement possible. As a student-athlete, I know this is what will enable me to continue to go the extra mile: Being a good student is what makes it possible for me to participate on the New Trier Water Polo Team, NTA Water Polo Team, New Trier Swim Team, ODP, NTA Elite Polo Team, polo training camps, and any other opportunities that present themselves. I'm working harder than ever right now to become the best goalie I can be in the hopes that I can ultimately choose from one of the top water polo programs in the country—and possibly even continue my water polo career further as a post-collegiate player or coach.

Out of the pool, at first glance some may perceive me as quiet or even shy. However, I have many sides to my personality: I'm well-liked and respected by my teammates and coaches. They know that while I'm generally a pretty chill guy to be around, I also like to have fun and keep everyone on their toes with my dry sense of humor. In the pool, I'm loud (probably the loudest). I talk to my teammates on defense and let them know just what to do if they're out of place on a shot block, or if they don't know where the ball is. As I've become more confident in my knowledge and skills, so have I become more confident as a leader of my team. Now, as team Captain, I find that my teammates look to me for both technical direction in the pool and emotional support on the sidelines. I think it is essential to have these excellent connections to my teammates both in and out of the pool—as it is what makes us all better individual players and a better team together.

Outside of water polo, I enjoy and excel in swimming as a second sport. I am one of the few goalies I know that is also focused on improving my swim times and think that it is vital to my performance as a water polo player. While I wasn't able to swim competitively in the 2019 season, and I was finally able to compete again in the 20-21 season and am proud to have improved my times in all strokes, despite being forced to spend almost a year out of the water. I take personal pride, as a goalie, in being able to out-swim many field players. I actually enjoy playing field, on the rare occasion I'm given the opportunity, and have even scored several times, both in and out of the net, since last season! 

Lastly, I am incredibly coachable. I not only welcome feedback and constructive criticism from my coaches and teachers, I continuously seek it as I strive to grow and improve both as a goalie and as a person. I'm looking forward to completing my senior year and committing to my next stage in life at a University where I can thrive both academically and athletically.