Leonardo Torres '22 Recruiting Profile

I grew up swimming and playing water polo during my free time and closely focused on my studies. I learned to savor the victory of being name Most Valuable Player when I was 6 years old by my swim team couch at the end of a swim competition. This moment made me realize that my hard work goes beyond me and the sense of contribution being part of a team has been most gratifying in my life. The sport of swimming taught me that measuring and tracking my progress inspired me to set goals an meet them. I learned later in life that I can apply the same logic to academics. I quickly realized that when I focus my energy and dedication into something I can achieve greatness.

When I had the opportunity to play water polo at age 9  I quickly learned that this was the sport for me, this sport a new dimension to the experience of swimming and competition. The sport has provided opportunities to grow mentally and learn a lot about myself. I learned to enjoy team collaboration and discover that I am a good leader for my team. This year I was named co-captain of the team which has been a role where I set high standards first by example showing my highest level of execution every time. What I enjoy most about the sport is that it keeps me always thinking ahead in anticipation for how the game is evolving so that I can plan ahead strategic response while maintaining a check on the location of my team members during a game.

Water polo has taught me that you have to be strategic in life, to keep my eyes open and always look at both sides of the coin on every situation . It also taught me to respect time because time is the most valuable resource one can have that can be used to change one's life. The game helped me develop higher endurance for pain and focus on solutions rather than complaints. The game made me realize that I can redeem myself after a failure. Successful people have more loses than wins but what makes them successful is that they don't give up and are willing to fail in order to learn more. One has to work hard for a win and have to want it the most. As team captain I see results when I Have pushed my teammates to be better and I have realized that in returned they have pushed me to become better, this has become an amazing reciprocating endeavor. 

Now that I am getting ready to move on to the next level, my goal is to join a water polo team in a reputable university at division 1 level. I plan to major in a Business major with the long term vision of pursuing higher level education to become a lawyer. The habits I developed as an athlete have helped me excel in academics. It is easy for me to be dedicated and discipline on the things that I know will render value in my future. I have learned that setting goals keeps me focused on the road that brings the most success. I use this mind set in my athletic activities as well as my academics. 

At this time I am seeking for an opportunity to join a water polo and/or swimming team that looks for excellence and provides opportunities for growth. I consider myself strongly motivated to continue to excel in the sport.