Nathaniel Cheney '22 Recruiting Profile

There is a common theme when it comes to water polo players. Swimmers who needed something more than a black line on the bottom of the pool, and that is my exact story. I fell in love with the water when I was three years old and took it to a competitive level when I was 9. I was always considered a strong swimmer, but the love for the sport was never there. I always had the drive, passion, and competitiveness, but it wasn’t until I was handed a flier for the middle school water polo team, during swim practice, that I found the thing to which I would dedicate my middle school and high school careers.

I started my high school career by being the only freshman pulled up to the varsity team. I used the skills I had learned from my years of swimming to get rid of my bench spot and beating out upperclassmen for the starting sprinter as a freshman. I was always close with the upperclassmen due to the fact that I played on their summer club team, and as I started high school polo I learned to love the team aspect of the game, instead of the individual aspect. I learned to love the feeling of stealing the ball or helping a teammate get a goal, then scoring myself. With two seasons of the year not being enough playing time, I started going in most mornings before school to make sure I would be in the best shape for my upcoming season

On top of playing two varsity sports, I also strive to excel in academics. I push to work myself just as hard in the classroom as I do in the pool. I take AP and honors classes for all of my core classes and maintain above a 4.0. My competitive nature makes me have the drive to receive the best grades I am capable of. Although I am undecided about a major, when picking a school the academic side is just as important as the athletic.

From swim to water polo, I have always given it my all. Whether it was small hometown tournaments to state championship games, the pressure pushes me to work harder. I play my best games under pressure and have been a key component in many high-level games. I hope to give it my all at a university or college after high school.