Michael Villagran '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Michael Villagran and I grew up playing lots of sports. Going into freshman year of high school I decided to play Baseball, basketball, and water polo. After my most recent season (junior year), I discovered that I wanted to pursue water polo more than anything because I had the most passion and drive for the sport. I put basketball and baseball behind me and decided water polo was the best fit for me.

My freshman year I was placed onto the Junior Varsity team and played as a starter for most of the season. Sophomore year I was placed onto the varsity team and learned more about the sport that I have grown to be so passionate about. But after that sophomore year I wanted to achieve better so I can play junior year and be the best that I could. I got injured in the off season which prevented me from being able to commit myself to a club team. This injury is what caused me to learn how badly I wanted to be able to play waterpolo at a professional level. Junior year season started and I played the best that I ever have in my high school career. Throughout the season I proved how much more I improved and learned whilst being a leader for my team. I ended the season having the most goals on the team, I also received 1st team all league, and co-mvp for my team. I now play club for Route 66 18u team during the off season.  

Throughout all the years that I have played any sport I feel as if I have been known as a leader and someone who is able to bring the team up even when in a deficit of points. My coaches have always looked to me as an example of hard work, determination, and consistency. My High School Coach, Alba Espinar, will always look to me to bring the team together and grow our chemistry together. My club Coach, Jesse Johnston, would say I bring my teammates to practices due to my ability to connect with them inside and outside of the pool.