Grace Rich '25 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Grace Rich, and I am a senior at Bainbridge High School (Class of 2025). When I was living in the Bay Area, and participating in a local swim team for nearly ten years, I was consistently exposed to water polo. As a six and seven-year-old, I took part in a few splashball camps, but it wasn't until I was thirteen that I began playing. While a soccer player at the beginning of the pandemic, all practices shifted to Zoom and took place in our backyards. It was then that I decided to try water polo seriously and I joined Lamorinda Water Polo Club. The first year involved countless laps of swimming and technical drills against the wall. Then, at the age of 15, I moved to the Seattle area.

After relocating, I joined Bainbridge Island Water Polo Club and have been competing with them for the past three years. During the high school season, I play for the Bainbridge High School Varsity team. In my freshman season, our team reached the state finals, finishing 2nd in Washington State in a close 5-7 game. After the season, I was honored with the Rookie of the Year award. In my sophomore year, I assumed a leadership role in the pool, directing my teammates and fostering a tireless work ethic. This led to my election as a captain in my sophomore year and I earned 1st Team All-Conference award and a 1st Team All-State award as we finished 3rd in Washington State. Junior year I was elected captain and earned the MVP award along with 1st Team All-Conference  and 1st Team All-State as we finished 2nd in Washington State with a close 5-6 loss.  While water polo is inherently competitive, I enjoy the sense of community and friendships I've gained along the way.

Outside of high school seasons, I play with the Bainbridge Island Water Polo Club and the Olympic Development Program team for the PNW. In 2021, I played with the cadet PNW regional team in Utah and was selected for the PNW national team, though I couldn't attend due to a Model UN conference. In 2022, I was chosen for the youth PNW regional and national teams, competing in Texas and Northern California. I'm thrilled to be selected again this year for the PNW youth regional team, where we traveled to Texas and SoCal. I was awarded the Nick Johnson award. The Olympic Development Program has exposed me to higher competition, different coaching styles, and new teammates.

Currently, I play water polo and soccer exclusively. Engaging in multiple sports allows me to develop strength in different areas, prevent burnout, and avoid injuries. Soccer continues to challenge me physically and mentally, increasing my overall sports IQ. I take pride in leading my soccer team, having been elected captain in my junior year and senior season. To me, this demonstrates that my leadership abilities extend beyond the realm of water polo. When I'm not in the pool or on the field, you can find me at Model UN conferences, coaching splashball, or refereeing soccer games. I value academics as much as athletics, consistently challenging myself with honors or AP classes while maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA.

I am now in the process of seeking a college program that values intense work ethics, intelligence in the pool, and a sense of community allowing me to continue my athletic and academic pursuits. Thank you for taking the time to consider my profile. I look forward to learning more about your program!

Sincerely, 

Grace Rich