Maria Evangelia Ntouli '26 Recruiting Profile

I started water polo at the age of nine, and I immediately realized my love for the sport. I was introduced to a new world, and it was the first time where I had dreams about my future in the sport. I remember watching the Greek National team playing at the Olympics and telling my parents: “I want to be one of them someday”. Over the years, water polo has shaped my personality as well. I learned to be disciplined, organized, and open-minded. I learned what teamwork means, and realized what is to play for one another to achieve a common goal.

I have participated in many national water polo championships in Greece, including the U13, U15, U17, U19, and women’s team of my club (Vouliagmeni Nautical Club). In June 2023 I represented my country, Greece, in the U15 European Championship (Zagreb, Croatia), where we won the silver medal. The feeling of this international experience is unique and made me even more determined to achieve my next athletic and academic goal, which is to join the NCAA.

            In September 2023 I moved to New York, I enrolled to the United Nations International School (UNIS) and continued playing water polo with

a new club (Asphalt Green). Since my move to New York, I have taken part in ODP camps with the NEZ cadet team and have been selected to participate in both the regional and national ODP championships. 

           I believe that I have all the skills required to succeed. In addition to being a highly competitive athlete, I am an excellent student with very strong motivation. I can also easily adjust to new situations, and I enjoy being in a multicultural environment, like my school.                 

           I am very ambitious, and my dream is to join a great university, while at the same time playing the sport I love at the highest level. This would also offer me the opportunity to thrive and contribute to my community, both academically and athletically. I am convinced that being able to play water polo in the NCAA is going to allow me to develop as an athlete, a student, and a person.