Liam Lacey '21 Recruiting Profile

I was fortunate, during 2019, to be able to visit the USA on a private water polo tour,  spending time in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, and playing a number of University and high school sides.  I used this tour to measure myself against my opposition and came away feeling I could certainly complete at that level (I was also fortunate enough to bump into Jason Evezard, a fellow South African from my previous high school).

I love water polo. I swam competitively for my province, but was introduced to water polo at age 12 and have not looked back since. Saying that, I certainly understand that a balance needs to be achieved between sport and academics, and that one should not take precedence over the other. I will play water polo for a large part of my life, but my academic performance at university will determine mine, and my family`s future.

I loved the water polo culture I was exposed to while visiting the USA. I fell in love with the feel and lifestyle I was exposed to while visiting California - both are something I would embrace again, given the opportunity.

I come from a family of sports people, with both my parents playing provincial (state) sport, and one of my uncles representing South Africa for cricket. I am an empathetic, even tempered individual who gets along easily with most people, but at the same time I am extremely competitive and do not like to come second. I want to better myself in the pool and in the classroom  - become a better person and a better athlete.

If I am given this opportunity, I will give my 100 % both in the classroom and pool, and I absolutely understand what an opportunity like this could mean to me.

Thank you