Lily van Putten '23 Recruiting Profile

My ultimate goal is to study and play women's water polo at a Division I university where I can contribute in the classroom and in the pool. I am a strong, fast swimmer and a responsive field player. I play a smart, physical game of water polo, focusing on defense first, then attacking on offense. My coach describes me as a physical athlete with finesse, knowing how to read the field, adjusting my physicality, speed and finding opportunities to assist, defend or score. Recently, I was voted MVP Field Player by the coaches in our league and Top 8 in our region; this represents my growth, desire to improve and excel, and coaches recognize my willingness to listen, learn and execute. I am known for my speed and ability to lead on counterattacks, my physical level of play as a well as my wide wingspan allowing me to block passes or steal balls, creating turnovers and drawing exclusions against my opponents. 

I value teamwork, communication and finding ways to help my teammates grow mentally and physically stronger while making sure that we also have fun. Through teaching young children how to swim, training with the Olympic Development Program, competing in Junior Olympics, and training internationally in Italy and Croatia last spring /summer, I have developed confidence as a leader on my teams. Selected as captain for my high school team, I helped lead a young team reach the semi-finals in CIF/NorCal state championships as we completed our most successful season in school history with a 28-3 win/loss record.

My intended major is Kinesiology / Exercise Science and my goal is to serve others in the field of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. I am also interested in studying nutrition and combining these interests to design a career where I can help and educate people of all ages about the power of physical and emotional wellness and healthy lifestyles.

As a student-athlete, my schedule leaves me little extra time for extracurriculars, but I am committed to providing care to my 95-year old Halmoni (grandmother in Korean) who suffers from Alzheimer's. I prepare meals, provide guided exercise, bathe her and drive her on errands. My once very independent Halmoni moved in with my mother and me to lessen her isolation during the pandemic. While Halmoni went through rehabilitation from a broken hip, I witnessed first-hand how the physical therapists guided her back to full mobility with strength training, resistance exercises and positive feedback. Occupational therapists taught her how to re-learn basic life skills like getting in and out of the car safely and putting on socks. She is living proof that an active, healthy lifestyle can overcome the challenges of living with Alzheimer's. Her humility and work ethic serve as an inspiration to me in pursuing a career in physical therapy, always reminding me to "keep moving, serve others and never ever give up."

Given the opportunity, I believe I can make positive contributions to the academic community and a Division I women's water polo team.