Emma McCracken '26 Recruiting Profile

I am a rising Senior at Mira Costa High School and look forward to continuing my water polo journey in college.  

Academics are a top priority for me for in my search for colleges; I have the ambition and time management skills to work hard and succeed in athletics while also getting high grades. I am looking to find a program that can offer me an exceptional education as well as the opportunity to play water polo at a higher level.

My dad introduced me to water polo in eighth grade, since he had played in high school and thought I was a good fit for the sport. I have swam for as long as I can remember and tried out other sports like volleyball and tennis, but I never felt like I belonged until I found water polo. I was immediately drawn in by the closeness of the community and the work ethic required to succeed in the sport. Practices were hard work and there were so many nuances to the game that I had to learn, but I enjoyed the challenge and came a long way. Water polo didn’t just improve my strength, awareness, and confidence in and out of the pool, it also gave me a tight knit group of friends with similar values. I’m still very close with my first team, and I cherish the friendships that emerge from my water polo experiences. 

One thing I’ve learned over my water polo career is the importance of the way a team functions. Everyone has to be willing to work hard not just for themselves but for each other. I always go to every practice I can, learn all the plays, and do my best to improve, both for my own success and for the success my team. In games, one of my main goals is to always make the best of every situation by doing my part, whether that is to draw the defense away from a driving teammate, make a good pass into set, or shoot and score. I am also a very coachable player. I listen thoroughly and understand what is needed from me. I have a strong shot, the speed required for sprints and drives, and a very good understanding of my part on defense, which allows me to make the right decisions and shut down the opponent's offense.

My passions outside the pool include music, reading, and writing, and I’ve also been interested in film and photography. No matter what I end up doing, I hope to find a way to make an impact on the world and help people in need. I have had so many wonderful opportunities in my life and I intend to share them with those who have been less fortunate.

Thank you for taking the time to look through my profile.