Water Polo Scholarship Opportunities?

I'm a junior on my high school's water polo team and would love to continue in college. Any tips on how to secure a water polo scholarship? What should I be doing now to strengthen my chances?

Absolutely, securing a water polo scholarship for college is a realistic goal as long as you're strategic and proactive about it. Here's a game plan you can consider:

Focus on Athletic Performance: Undeniably, the first rule of securing a sports scholarship is being good at the sport. Make sure you consistently hone your skills, attend regular trainings and try to participate in recognized water polo tournaments outside school if possible. Colleges often look for athletes with exceptional talent and a record of performance.

Prepare an Athletic Resume and Video: Coaches want to see your performance, especially if they can't watch you play in person. Compile a succinct athletic resume detailing your sports achievements, statistics, and athletic references. Also, create a highlight reel of yourself in action. Make sure the video is high-quality and adequately showcases your skills.

Academic Performance: Though your athletic skill is paramount, don't ignore your academics. Many colleges will look at your academic performance in addition to your athletic prowess. Remember, you'll be a student-athlete.

Reach Out to Coaches: Once you have a list of colleges you're interested in, don't be shy about reaching out to their water polo coaches. Send them an introductory email, your athletic resume, and your highlight video. Express your interest in their program and ask about potential recruiting opportunities.

Attend Recruitment Camps: Many colleges host recruitment camps where high school athletes can showcase their skills. This is a great chance to get noticed by a variety of coaches and scouts.

Remember, securing an athletic scholarship is a proactive process. Engage with it the same way you would engage with a job search. Good luck!