My Story

I started water polo almost 7 years ago.  I started in Splash Ball. Then I was lucky enough to play with the 10U San Clemente Boys team.  We didn't have a 10U girls team then, so we played with the boys.  My older brother was on the team, so it was hard. There were only two other girls. Then they started a 10U girls team the next year, and we had fun.

When I started playing with the 12U Girls Team the next year, I fell in love with it.  I had so many friends on the team, some who were like three years older than me. Everyone was so kind and cool. Coach Matt became our coach, and we started to get good and really learn the game.  About 2 1/2 seasons ago, I started playing goalie.  I did it at first because no one else wanted to, and I didn't care, and just wanted to help the team and play as much as possible. I have been in goal ever since then.

We have done so many fun things over the year. We have had our ups and downs and good seasons and bad ones.  None of that matters as long as we keep our friendships and keep trying every day.

Why I Love Water Polo

I love water polo because it challenges me to be my best every day and teaches me how to be a better teammate. I think I learned a lot from water polo, especially from playing goalie. Sometimes it sucks back there because when someone scores, I feel bad, like I let the team down. Then, when you make a save, it feels great because I know I helped the team.  I have learned a lot about life in goal.  How to do something when you're scared. How to keep going even if it doesn't go your way.  How to be part of a team and accept responsibility.

Why Your Support Matters

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

I have never asked for a donation before, and it kind of feels weird, but I know it is for a good cause.  Your donation will help me get a chance to play on the 14U USA National Team. Which would be my dream. I don't know how the tryout will go, but I promise to do my best. 

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. Most of my friends don't have jobs, haha. If you are receiving this email, you are probably a friend of my mom and dad's, a family member, and someone I have been lucky enough to meet along the way.  Every contribution – big or small – makes a difference.  Thank you for being part of my journey and my team.