Cecilia Church '25 Recruiting Profile

My journey into playing water polo was not a linear one but I quickly fell in love with a sport that has opened doors to new friendships and challenges. From a young age, I have always loved the water and aquatics, but found myself on the softball field, basketball court, in art classes and competing in science fairs instead much to the influence of my family. Unbeknownst to my family, water polo was out there and I would soon find it; once I did they supported me wholeheartedly. It was not until 8th grade that I decided to take a chance on myself and try something new. I had watched Olympic water polo and was astonished; inspired by how Team USA dazzled in the pool. I will not gloss over the fact that water polo was really difficult for me in the beginning and I admit I didn’t fully comprehend the true value in what it means to be “Water Polo Tough” until I experienced the fighting and clawing that appeared as I emerged from the pool after a particularly brutal match. But the feeling of discomfort that an athlete must endure during a tough set in practice or playing against an especially competitive team is one that tests their character and determination beyond their athletic ability. Although it is often painful in the moment, I have learned that I always come out stronger, better, and smarter because of the challenges I actively seek out and face. Whether it is improving my passing, communication with teammates, or my vertical reach, a healthy challenge only enables me to get stronger. As a multi-sport athlete I am able to take my physical attributes that I benefited from playing both power and endurance sports, incorporating them into my position as goalie in water polo, a post that requires a unique type of training to which I have adapted well. Communication is critical but especially as a goalie and captain privileged with a wide view of the game as it plays out. Due to the sense of responsibility I feel I have in being a leader on the team, I take pride in being a voice and ally to the girls both in and out of the pool. 

I am a motivated and dedicated student with a rigorous course load, taking honors and AP classes focused on subjects of my interest. Academics are one of the most important parts of my journey towards college recruitment. It is my goal to find a program at a school that equally strives for excellence in water polo and education in preparation for life after college and in the professional world. In addition to my academics, I am heavily involved in ASB and Leadership, currently serving an elected position on my class’s executive board as Junior Class President. Being active in my school community is meaningful to me because of the impact that students can have on each other's lives. I became the outreach coordinator of a district-wide student activism club in my hometown because I want more students to be aware of the influence each individual possesses. I have the personal philosophy that instead of passing judgement or complaint, be the first person to take active measure in improving any situation; that’s why I have always welcomed challenges as a step towards growth. At the end of the day, nothing worth working for is easy and everyone would be able to do it. Where is the true value in that if deemed average? I strive for greatness, working hard day in and out in all faucets of my life, to continue to grow and improve myself as a person, as a player, and as a teammate. I hope to pursue a degree centered around social justice and political science followed by graduate school in pursuit of my aspirations of one day serving my community in the legal sector. 

In the simplest of terms, I want college coaches to know that I show up for myself, my teammates, and everything that I do each and every time. In balancing my rigorous academics, extracurriculars, and daily training and practice regiment I have learned that things don't always go according to plans 100% of the time, but it is the consistency that is key. The value lies in picking yourself up, and moving forward when you fail. I am consistent. Once I am committed, my determination resists much that attempts to deter me. I am so excited to see where water polo takes me and hope that I find a place where I have the opportunity to play the game I have come to love and continue the pursuit of striving to always be better.