Anna Simko is a freshman athletic training major here at the University of Utah. She is an active member of Alpha Chi Omega, as well as a member of the University of Utah women’s water polo team! Her Campus Utah had the opportunity to ask her a little about her experience in water polo at the U and why everyone should get involved!
Her Campus Utah: When did you start playing water polo?
Anna Simko: I started playing water polo around six and a half years ago… during 7th grade in middle school.
HC: Why did you choose the University of Utah water polo team?
AS: I chose The University of Utah water polo team to play club because, as much as I love water polo, I didn’t want to commit to a school to play the sport, so I decided to just play club polo wherever I decided to attend college.
HC: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during your time in water polo?
AS: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned during my years playing water polo is that without hard work and dedication you won’t get any better or succeed and also the importance of teamwork.
HC: What has been your favorite moment playing water polo you have been a part of?
AS: My favorite moment of playing water polo definitely is the intensity of the sport and how hard it can be on you physically. I also absolutely love tournaments and how close you become with your team and how much you get to bond with them in the hotel rooms and in between games throughout the tournament.
HC: What do you want to do when you graduate?
AS: I want to become an Athletic Trainer when I graduate from college. The goal is to be an Athletic Trainer for a professional or Division 1 water polo team.
HC: What is one piece of advice you have incoming Freshmen that are thinking about participating in water polo?
AS: One piece of advice I have for incoming freshmen who are thinking about playing water polo is to definitely try it out! Even if you have minimal experience with the sport, it is still super fun and it is one of the best possible workouts. It takes a lot of hard work and it is very physically exhausting but the payoff of having such a great bond with the whole team and traveling with them is super fun!
HC: What games or meets does the team having coming up?
AS: We just had our first tournament out here in Utah (February 10/11th) but our next one is at the Air Force Academy out in Colorado on March 3rd and 4th! After that we have championships and nationals.
During the 2016-2017 year, the women’s water polo team placed 15th in the nation and they won the Rocky Mountain Division! Get out there and support the team this year!
You can learn more about the sports clubs at the U here.
All photos courtesy of Anna Simko.