My Story

I started playing water polo when I was 12 years old, and after my very first practice, I was completely hooked. I still remember getting in the car afterward and not being able to stop talking about it. Before water polo, I swam competitively and loved it, but something felt different right away. In swimming, you compete as an individual alongside a team. In water polo, you play for each other. You rely on your teammates, support one another, and push together and that’s what made me fall in love with the sport.

Since then, my journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve been part of Olympic Development Program (ODP) for four years. My first year, I made it to to the National Tournament, representing the Pacific Northwest Development team. But the following year, I didn’t make the team. I remember feeling crushed, but instead of giving up, I went back to practice that same day and asked my coach what I needed to improve. I took that feedback seriously, worked hard all year, and the next season I not only made it back to the National Tournament, but was honored with the Nick Johnson Award.

Being invited to National Team Select Camp feels surreal. It’s a reflection of the work I’ve put in, the work of my coaches and their support and also a chance to keep growing, learning, and challenging myself at the highest level.

Why I Love Water Polo

What I love most about water polo is the team. It’s the way we push each other, support each other, and give everything we have, not just for ourselves, but for the group. I’ve met some of the most incredible people through this sport and learned lessons that go far beyond the pool. 

Why Your Support Matters

As part of this journey, I’m raising support to help fund training, coaching, and development opportunities – both for me and for other athletes working toward their goals.  Your support directly helps make opportunities like this possible. 

My goals right now are simple:
To keep improving, to compete at the highest level I can, and to hopefully play water polo in college. But more than anything, I want to continue playing because I truly love it...that’s how this all started.

Attending National Team Select Camp is a huge opportunity, but it also comes with significant travel and training costs. I’m reaching out to ask for your support in helping me get there.

Any contribution, big or small, means so much to me and helps make this experience possible.

Looking Ahead

This page will stay with me throughout the 2026 ODP season, including NTSC and future Pipeline experiences. If I’m selected for additional training camps or international competitions, I’ll continue updating my journey here as I work toward the next level.

Join My Team

If you'd like to be part of my journey, I would truly appreciate your support.  Every contribution – big or small – makes a difference. Thank you for being part of my journey and my team.

-Audrey