Personal Statement
My name is Bella McGowan, and I am a member of the class of 2022 with the goal of playing water polo at the college level. I have been playing water polo for about five years since attending a clinic offered by my triathlon and swim club. I instantly fell in love with the sport and joined Chi Water Polo Club at 12 as soon as it was founded. Since it was a new club, I had the opportunity to compete against high school-level athletes at a young age. While it was challenging competing against more experienced players, I think it gave me a head start as I entered high school, Junior Olympic and ODP competition.
Sports have always been an important part of my life. I’ve been swimming and entering triathlons competitively since I was seven, and I began playing basketball in the third grade. For me, Water Polo combined my love for swimming with the competitiveness and camaraderie of basketball, from the thrill of hitting a game-winning shot to working as a team to accomplish goals. The second I was introduced to water polo, it became my new favorite sport and the reason I love to compete.
Water Polo has also helped me grow as a person, make new friends and travel around the country for tournaments. Competing in the 2019 JO and making the 2020 Cadet ODP team gave me an opportunity to experience a new level of play and test my skills against some of the best players my age. My ability to compete and have success at that level has given me the confidence to pursue water polo in college. 2020 has been difficult for everyone, and challenging for athletes. While my high school, 18U club and ODP seasons were all cancelled, I’ve continued to train for the sport I love through non-contact skill development practices offered by my club coaches.
Academics have always been extremely important to me as well, and I have found my academic ability has been strengthened by the traits required by athletic competition. From exercise and staying positive to working as a team and taking on new challenges, sports and academics complement each other. I’m currently enrolled in the IB program at Lincoln Park High School with a 4.8 weighted GPA. Since my sophomore year, I’ve been a three-sport varsity athlete in swimming, basketball and water polo. In addition to water polo club seasons, I coach an 8 and under triathlon team as part of the Iguanas Triathlon Club in Chicago. In college, I plan to study Political Science with the hope of seeking public office someday. I hope you believe I have what it takes to excel academically and athletically at your university.
