Amelia (Lia) Delage '24 Recruiting Profile

     My story is a little different than others when it comes to water polo. I started playing when I was 7 years old, encouraged by my dad who played in high school and on a club in college. After playing for a few years I spent some time focusing on competitive dance. Although I was excelling quickly in dance, it did not fulfill my competitive drive and spirit the way that water polo did so I quickly came back and that is when my passion for the sport really began. The first summer I came back to my old club team (LAW: lincoln-way area water polo) I was awarded MVP of my 14u team. Once I got to high-school it was clear that water polo was the sport for me. I would describe my style of play as intense yet controlled. After playing for years I developed great ball handling skills and became a strong and smart shooter. 

     Throughout my high school career at Lincoln Way East I have had many accomplishments. My freshman year I was the starting center for JV, a JV conference champion, pulled up to our winning sectional team and went to state. I also played at LAW that summer. My sophomore year I was a varsity starter used as a utility player, Palatine tournament champion, conference champion, sectional champion, and went to state. I played at LAW during the winter and summer season and was awarded AWP all-tournament player. This past year (junior year) I decided it was time to challenge myself and play at the next level so I joined East Side Water Polo in the winter. I drove about an hour and a half each way everyday after school to training under Coach Jimmy Heard for the club’s travel team. I traveled to Florida in February 2023 to participate in the South Florida International Water Polo tournament. During my high school season I was our varsity starting center, a conference champion, Palatine tournament champion, and awarded all-conference and all-sectional. I am continuing to play at East Side this summer and will be attending Junior Olympics Session III at the end of July. 

     My drive and determination does not stop in the water, I have maintained a 4.8 GPA throughout high school taking all honors and AP classes. I am extremely involved in school and my community participating in poms, National Honors Society, the Math, Spanish, and Science honors societies, grand griffins (a service based club that works with our local senior living facility) , griffin crew (a school spirit and leadership club for upperclassmen), student ambassadors (a club that pairs members with transfer students to help acclimate them to the school), yearbook, and more. I have been recognized for my leadership skills in many different environments being a dance captain for 2 years, a yearbook editor, tutor, club officer, and choreographing my local middle school's musicals. 

     I love being apart of a team and supporting others while being pushed to my best ability by others. I would like to play at the collegiate level to get that opportunity and continue to push myself everyday. I believe I am prepared and excited to achieve wherever my future takes me.