Sara Sutherland '18 Recruiting Profile

    My goal is to find a school that will challenge me both academically and athletically, as I compete as a women's water polo player in the NCAA.  I have been swimming competitively for almost eight years, but in the last two years I decided to dedicate myself to playing water polo with Team Saskatchewan.  I competed at a provincial, western and national level with my speed swimming team. I am quickly learning new water polo specific skills and techniques, thanks to my focus, coachability, speed and many years experience swimming competitively.  I train with my provincial water polo team in the water seven times a week, and in addition to this I swim with another club twice a week. I also attend weight sessions three times a week with Team Saskatchewan, coached by a former NFL athlete. I've traveled to France and Italy this past year to compete in water polo with Team Saskatchewan.  My team and I are also very proud to have won silver at Canadian National Finals in May 2017.   I also competed in Junior Olympics this summer, competing with team Utah Premier.  

     I love the sport of water polo, and wish to continue playing competitively throughout college more than anything.  Through playing water polo I have learned about setting goals for myself, that I can react quickly and calmly in stressful situations, that I have the ability to refocus after setbacks, and that I am very dedicated to self-improvement.  To spread my love and knowledge I coach both swimming and water polo to aspiring young athletes. The largest set back I have had to overcome in my career as a water polo player has been a knee dislocation.  This injury taught me about dedication to my rehabilitation, patience, perseverance, and a lot about kinesiology of sport, including injury prevention.  It also strengthened my love and appreciation for sport, which has even helped to fuel the fire of my competitive drive to the next level.