ACCOMPLISHMENT: Poly senior Juli Hilovsky is recruited to the college of her dreams: Indiana University.
By Levi Murtaugh, Staff Writer
College is a daunting prospect for every high school student. It is the beginning of true independence, a new life and a different atmosphere than what has been experienced before. College applications are frightening, with the uncertainty of acceptance to a school. Juli Hilovsky (12) does not share these worries; she has committed to Indiana University (IU) as part of their water polo team. Located in Bloomington, Indiana, the university appeals to Hilovsky on many levels. “I chose to go to Indiana because they’re the top school for my major, which is sports marketing, and they have an amazing water polo program.” Hilovsky said. With her avid talent in water polo and her rigorous academic success, she was accepted into IU.
But it takes a lot of work and perseverance to play a sport in college. She is a significant contribution to the Poly girls’ water polo team after transferring from Notre Dame High School (NDHS) last year, where she played water polo as well. However, the road to this college dream was not easy or short. Hilovsky’s journey proves that getting recruited by a college is painstaking work.
Despite not playing on the varsity team last year because of her transfer from NDHS, Hilovsky largely contributes to the team this year. “She will be our sprinter and main driver; she should also be one of our leading shooters,” Poly water polo coach Mike Cardey said. Also, she has excelled with her club team, Chino Hills Area Water Polo (CHAWP), finishing third in the Gold division of the Junior Olympics this summer, which is a huge feat.
The practice schedule for Poly girls’ water polo is grueling. Practice starts at 5:45 and ends at 7:30 in the morning every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This practice is all conditioning, from lifting weights to doing swim sets. Then later that day, the team gets back in the water a second time for another hour long practice; this is just during the offseason. During regular season, these after school practices will last two to two and a half hours long.
Getting recruited by a college for sports is very difficult. You are required to email every college you can think of, respond to them as soon as they respond to you and let them know anything they want. Hilovsky has experienced all parts of the process with many pointers for other student athletes that want to play sports in college. “Email coaches of the schools that you are interested in constantly with a resume attached […] make sure to sustain good grades and never stop working hard in your sport” Hilovsky said.