Sydney Smith '22 Recruiting Profile

My collegiate goals and aspirations are simple and they have pretty much been the same ever since I can remember. I want to go to the Air Force Academy, like my parents, and be either a doctor or a pilot. Yet once I started playing water polo, it changed, but only slightly. I became passionate about water polo as soon as I started. I was a competitive swimmer prior, but it never really grabbed me. My aspirations changed though when I learned that the Air Force Academy did not have NCAA collegiate water polo for girls.. That's when I started to look into ROTC as an alternative to the Academy so that I could play collegiate water polo. 

There are a few things that make me different from other recruits. I have been to 8 different schools. Each one has taught me to adapt to a new place -- making new friends, learning new customs and finding my own path. This may seem scary to some, but I wouldn't change it for the world. It has defined me and in some cases forced me to be a more outgoing person, and showed me that I can persevere through anything.  Athletically, I’ve had the pleasure of playing on four different teams. Each has been amazing and each has had its challenges.  

Living in Northern Virginia has been a unique challenge.  We have four girls on our team, so we play co-ed.  Getting the boys and coach to respect you and treat you as an equal player has taught me to become a confident player around new people.

Why would I be a good candidate for your team?  I could say I’m a team player and will bring my unique skill to your team.  And that is ABSOLUTELY true.  I would rather pass the ball to the girl with the better shot than take it myself, or stay back on defense and help if someone needs it rather than stealing the show.  I know I will try my best to be a good player, and a great teammate. Playing water polo is not about the girl who can do the amazing skip shot back hand from half court and watch it go in (and trust me, I know a few of those and have seen it happen). A team also needs the player that can cheer everyone up when we are down by three at half, and give the best pep talk that causes a chain reaction so that we go out there and kill it in the second half!!. Whether I'm sitting on the bench or in the pool, that's the person I want to be on your team, MY team. That's why I want to be on your team.  And that makes ME the best candidate! 

Thank you.