Cassie "Kealoha" Charles '20 Recruiting Profile

Growing up in Hau’ula taught me a lot about struggle. I grew up around the corner from a foster home. I went to school with them and played outside with them, but I never realised what their situation truly was like. Every one of them had difficulties in their lives that I cannot comprehend. I did not understand why anyone who leave a child in that situation intentionally. This pushed me to work with children and learn about the lives they have.

 Growing up in a small town in Hawai’i, you learn to appreciate every little thing you are given or discover. Being the youngest in the family, I always got the hand-me-downs, old toys, re-used Christmas presents, and even shoes. All that mattered was school work and hoping that there would be real dinner at night. When I discovered water polo it gave me hope of escaping my poverty ridden home.

I have been playing since the eighth grade. Being in the pool gave me a sense of belonging for the first time ever. I became obsessed with the sport. I was either in the pool swimming laps or at the beach running on the sand, or running underwater. I had finally found something I was infatuated with. My junior year of high school was my most successful season. I was in the top ten overall scoring leader in the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA). My team came together and won more games than we ever had any season before. 

My game, my team, and my family are the most important things in my life. They push me and make me a better player overall. I plan to continue my passion throughout the rest of my life and use this passion to better my home.