Ethan Cooney '23 Recruiting Profile

Senior Spotlight:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CjnojX0rMvf/?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg%3D

Water polo is a sport that requires a high level of commitment and intensity from every person on the team.  If any one teammate slacks the team will fail.  Being on a team that values respect for each other and that wants what’s best for the team is a big draw for me at the collegiate level.  I want my 110% contribution to be matched by all the other players on the team so we can compete at the highest level possible.  I experienced this type of team my junior and senior year at Aliso Niguel High School. I transferred there my sophomore year (from Laguna Hills High School), but I had been playing with this core group of teammates (in rec/club) since I was in third grade. The sophomore season was limited due to Covid, but we were able to bond as a team during that time, which made us play better when we were finally able to have a short two-week season against other schools.  Things completely opened up my junior year and we were able to have a normal season. Every game during the season was memorable. We played as a solid unit performing to the best of our ability. We went far but unfortunately our season did not end the way we had hoped. 

Winning is always the goal at the end of each game, but of course, there is only one winner.  What makes the difference in any student-athlete is how they handle adversity. Sometimes losing teaches you more about life than winning. My junior year polo season really tested these life skills. Our last game of the season was for league champs. Both teams were evenly matched, which made it an intense game. Unfortunately, we ended up losing by one point in double overtime. I was upset, frustrated, and disappointed. Instead of showing all those emotions, I chose to hold my head up high, shake the other team’s hands, look them in the eye, and tell them they played a great game. I wanted to show my coach, teammates, and parents that I was a positive leader who could show good sportsmanship in all circumstances. I truly believe that my skill and positive leadership helped me earn 2nd Team All-League (Junior Year).

I want to continue to follow my passion at a collegiate level because I want to make an impact on the team I play for as well as make memories with my teammates. I am primarily a center defender but have played all positions except goalie. I am always looking to improve my skills and take  advice and use it to help better my game. I believe that I have the talent, drive, and work ethic to play on any college team.