- 2019 Highlights
Personal Statement
My name is Sophia Jean Esquivel Wallace and I am currently a senior at Fallbrook High School in Fallbrook, California. I am a quick-thinking utility player and love the sport of water polo. I started playing water polo when I was 11 years old with my older brother on a co-ed club team in Fallbrook, but stopped for a short time while my family relocated to New England, due to my father’s career in the US Navy. As a result of my navy life, I have become accustomed to moving frequently and have learned to adapt to changing situations. I have also gained resilience, independence and flexibility from all my experiences as a military brat. Additionally, I find that it is very easy for me to make new friends and quickly assess the dynamics of new groups and environments.
I began playing varsity polo my freshman year, after returning from 2 years in Rhode Island. My freshman year on varsity I played swing, practicing with varsity and playing in both JV and varsity games. I eventually became the captain of the JV team and was awarded MVP. During my sophomore and junior years, I started on the varsity team. My sophomore year, our team went to Junior Olympics and we really upped our game. Our team finished as league champions and came in 2nd in CIF Division 2, Southern Regional Championships, my junior year. I made First Team All League and First Team All CIF D2 for that championship season. Due to my determination and commitment, I led the team in goals with 64, drew the most ejections at 32, and had 62 steals. I was chosen to become team captain for the 2019-20 school year.
Somethings that set me apart from other players are my strong field sense and situational awareness, as well as my grit and perseverance. I really enjoy the complexity of the game…the rush of the physicality, the fast pace, and the never ending potential for improvement, both mentally and physically. I am very focused and driven in everything I set my mind to. In addition, water polo is a family tradition and I feel it is in my blood. Both my dad and brother were captains of their water polo teams. My dad was also an accomplished player in college and would take time to teach my brother and I moves and tactics to improve our game.
In terms of academics, I excel in science and math and have been a recognized member of the California Scholastic Federation for the last four years. For the spring and winter seasons of my junior year, I was honored for achieving All-Academic Team in water polo and swim. I hope to pursue a health/science related degree in college, as I have always dreamed of becoming a surgeon. I am also interested in possibly pursuing a career as a research biologist. I look forward to the opportunity in college to find connections between modern science and my Christian faith, which will further develop my strong moral compass.
