Mackenzie Boveri '21 Recruiting Profile

I was a late comer to the sport of water polo.  I did not have the opportunity to play polo until I was in high school.  I grew up in a military family and spent a good portion of my pre-high school years living overseas.  I started swimming at the age of 9 as a member of a European U.S. Forces Swim team.  I traveled throughout Europe swimming and quickly learned that being part of a team that was focused and dedicated on achieving common goals and objectives was demanding, but fun.  I thoroughly enjoy swimming, but did not realize what I was missing from a physical and competitive team perspective until my 8^th grade year when I went to one of my brother's water polo games.  I immediately embraced this sport.  

As I began to understand the rules that governed water polo, and watched the players swim back and forth, often propelling themselves over 2 ft out of the water when they threw the ball, I knew this game was meant for me.  When I play water polo, I am no longer an individual, but instead a member of a team where each team member plays a critical role.  As a polo team member, I have grown stronger over the years, both physically and mentally.  I have learned how to lead, and equally as important how to follow.  Whether we are winning or losing, I have come to appreciate the fact that my individual contributions to the team make the team stronger while also making me stronger.  This is water polo and I love it.  

I have excelled academically and matured individually playing water polo in high school.  Committing 3 to 4 hours a day playing polo while enrolled in advanced placement courses has helped me focus on my studies and efficiently and effectively organize my time.  My success in the classroom and in the water is due, in part, to the fact that I am action and goal oriented and driven, in or out of the water, to do my best.  

Playing polo has made me stronger today then I was yesterday and will make me stronger tomorrow.  Polo has taught me that I must keep going even when the going gets tough.  In cases when my team is losing 6-0, I never give up or give in.  I am a doer and will push myself while encouraging my team mates to do the same.  Just like my endurance my love for water polo has grown over the years.  I love the competitive nature of polo and everything about the sport.  I am physically and mentally stronger from having played water polo.  Aside from schoolwork or sports, polo has helped me develop skills needed to overcome life’s daily challenges, and as of today I have never felt stronger as an athlete, and as a human being.  

My goal, my desire is to continue to grow personally, professionally and athletically while in college.  My foundation is strong and on it I will continue to build as I focus my college studies on obtaining a degree in Education.  Teaching and helping others have always been a passion for me.  Seeing others improve their skills and accomplishing their goals brings much joy.  Reflecting on my high school journey, I truly believe that water polo has and will continue to help me help myself and others.  Whether playing polo, in the classroom, or out with friends, I always lend a helping hand.  Water polo has changed my life for the better and as I look forward, I would love to continue my water polo journey throughout college for my sake and for all others who I will help along the way.