My journey in water polo began at age 10, when my mother discovered an outdoor practice group during the pandemic. Even snow-covered pool decks couldn't dampen our dedication – those early practices taught me resilience and commitment to the sport I'd grown to love.
Water has always been my natural element, and water polo channels my swimming abilities into a dynamic team sport. Playing on Colorado's coed high school team has strengthened my game, contributing to our state championship in 2023 and third-place finish in 2024. Competing alongside male players has enhanced my tactical understanding and physical toughness.
To elevate my game, I've sought out diverse playing experiences. Training trips to Croatia allowed me to compete against local teams in Split, Dubrovnik, and various islands, playing in the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Participating in a women's tournament in the French Alps further broadened my international perspective. These experiences taught me to adapt to different playing styles and environments. The women's tournament in the French Alps was particularly special – our team bonded during intense and chilly matches against older teams in an alpine lake and shared adventures exploring mountain villages. Despite coming from different clubs and regions, we quickly formed lasting friendships. Those connections continue today through regular group chats and travel to practice and play together.
Being from Colorado means traveling extensively to face top competition, particularly in California. These challenging matches have helped forge strong bonds with my fellow female players – we've learned to come together quickly as a cohesive unit for tournaments. The Colorado water polo community is tight-knit, and I value the supportive relationships we maintain even as competitors.
As I look toward collegiate water polo, I bring not just technical skills but also the adaptability and teamwork developed through years of varied play. My commitment to the sport is matched by my work ethic and desire to contribute to a college program's success.