Personal Statement

        My name is Claire Ewert and I am a sophomore at Rockwall-Heath High School. When I was younger I wasn’t very athletic, but my mom wanted me to play a team sport “to build character.” I told her I would, but I didn’t want to play any sport where a ball was flying at my head. She suggested I attend a Splash ball clinic and I fell in love with water polo that night. Ironically, I ended up playing a high physical contact sport where the ball is ONLY flying at my head. Over the years, water polo has helped build my character and as much as I hate to admit it…my mom was right.

        I started playing water polo when I was 10 years old with a small club at our local aquatic center. While I loved this group, when Covid hit, it was forced to disband and I was able to join two different larger clubs a bit farther from home. I currently play for Texas Thunder Water Polo. This requires me to commute an hour for practice each way 3-4 days a week. The tolls and gas are completely worth it, though, as I get to play with the most amazing girls who I now consider my best friends. Playing water polo at the club level has taught me many skills and the importance of teamwork. I have gotten to play alongside the most skilled athletes, and have been coached by incredible, experienced coaches that have given me so much water polo knowledge. I’ve played against strong teams from all over the nation that have taught me how to overcome different play styles. All of these have made me the player and person I am today. 

        Playing water polo at the high school level has taught me patience and understanding with new players. Because water polo is new to Texas high school sports, my teammates do not always know the plays we are running and so it allows me to coach them through those plays. Sometimes they don’t understand the play the first time so it gives me the challenge of having to pick apart the play so they can understand it better. There are times where I teach myself new things when I break down the play for my teammates. I love playing defense and excel at it in club water polo, but high school season has allowed me to play more offense and expand my overall skills. This has helped build my confidence as a player and my leadership abilities, while getting to help grow the sport I love in Texas. 

        I am looking for a program that will not only challenge me athletically, but also academically. I believe that success in the classroom complements success in the pool. I have enjoyed taking higher level classes in high school and have been consistently ranked in the top 3% in my class. I am interested in pursuing a career in mathematics. I have learned that with discipline, time management, and determination, I can accomplish my goals. I am currently in all higher level classes, a member of my school’s marching and concert band as well as playing water polo for both school and my club. I also swim for my school and was able to qualify for the regional swim meet in my first year of competitive swim. I love to be busy and pride myself in my ability to manage my time and get done what I need to. 

        I’m excited to continue growing my water polo knowledge and skills as well as further my education. I believe I have the talent both athletically and academically to make a positive impact in a collegiate program. While I have taken a few balls to the head, I’m glad water polo is the sport I chose many years ago.