Rylee Davis '21 Recruiting Profile

    I have known water polo was something I had a drive and a passion for since I was eleven years old and participated in a practice with girls I never imagined playing at the same level as.  I was always considered a strong swimmer, but it was never something I found a love for.  The reason I fell in love with water polo was the ability to be able to hold someone underwater and as long as i have my hands up its considered okay. I used my swimming abilities and love for the game, in general, I found more opportunities began to open up. I took ever one I was given.  As I worked the extra mile by playing year round polo I learned a new respect for more than just the physical aspect of the game but the mental aspect. I found myself in many leadership roles throughout my years of playing and even though I was typically the youngest of these teams I was always willing and ready to take these positions.

    Water polo has always been a dream of mine but another dream is to excel in academics. I pride myself in the fact that I place as much importance on my academic career as my athletic one. I hope to find a school where I will reach my full potential as a water polo player but also as a student. I primarily take honors classes and always take the extra step to push myself to receive the best grades that I am capable of. Taking these high level classes has pushed me in ways I had never been pushed before. I learned a new sense of determination, and confidence in myself which I will bring back with me to the pool.

  I have participated in the ODP program, for four years; Spartan polo club, for three summers;Third Coast club, for 2 summers; and then for the most recent summers have traveled to California to play for Big valley club and Foothill. As I began to travel out of Michigan to play and train for teams, I have re- learned the sport of water polo. The amount of intensity played in California shocked me and I found myself struggling to learn this level of play. I began to stay after practice and work with my coaches, I was determined to not be the weak link. As the summer progressed I began to not only keep up with the level of play, but thrive in the pool. I went from playing most of the game underwater, to becoming one of the most intense players in the water. From just staying a half an hour after to practice to improve my skills, I went from being a benchwarmer to a scorer.

    I was the only freshman on my high school team asked to play varsity, and from there I was able to play with players I had idolized, since I learned of the sport. Being by far the smallest on the team, and the newest, I had to adapt my way of play. I went throughout my freshman year working the extra mile, and never falling short of giving my all. I landed myself a spot as top defense player and my level of play began to pass the girls I had idolized. I am currently participating in my sophomore year of polo, and have landed myself a starting spot. With many of our last year's players graduated I had to step it up. I gained a new level of confidence in myself and transformed from my team's top defense player, to also a lead scorer. I earned the honors of honorable mention all conference and second team all region. I was the only sophomore and youngest on my team to earn such awards.

    The amount of awards that I have received however, I don't believe embody the type of player I pride myself in being, and strive to be. My first year of ODP I received the Nick Johnson award, which is the biggest honor I have received. This award embodied the type of person I pride myself on being and my leadership skills, I work towards improving everyday. In my mind you can score the game winning goal, but the real test on the type of player you are, is if you get out of the pool after the game and shake the other team's hand.

    In my five years of playing polo and ten years of swimming I have had to participate in many different levels of play. From small tournaments we were sure to win, to championship games that were at the peak of season. I always give my all. I train myself to where I am always ready to put forth my best ability at any given time. Through water polo I have learned the importance of a team. My team is much more than just a team to me, its my family, and I hope to find a new family as I continue my polo career after high school.