Water polo player, Olivia Gutierrez plans to pursue her sport career as she excels in sports and academics
Water polo player, Olivia Gutierrez hopes to pursue her sport career at a D1 college
Bonita Vista High (BVH) junior Olivia Gutierrez, known as “OG” among her friends, has been playing girl’s Varsity water polo since her freshman year. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Gutierrez tried out and became a young star on the school team, after playing club for years previously. She has excelled in both sports and academics while demonstrating her growth in each situation.
“When Gutierrez joined the team with her experience and talent, we knew she would be an all star. She was physically talented and skilled. We were impressed with the hard work she had already put in. Our goal with her was to have her work with her team and not be a lone wolf that the team becomes dependent on,” Water Polo Head Coach Betty Alexander said.
Senior and sprinter Sarah Hardin has watched Gutierrez grow through three years of being on the school team together. Being on the team allowed Hardin to become close friends with Guiterrez and come to see her talents as well as strong personality.
“She has definitely grown in maturity since freshman year. She was more quiet and kept her head down. She was the baby on the team, being the only freshman on varsity. Currently, she is more talkative and has grown out of her shell and has grown so much,” Hardin said.
This year, playing on the one-two side, has given her the role of a “star athlete”. Excelling in water polo has gotten Gutierrez recognized by schools like Arizona State University (ASU). Since then Gutierrez has kept in touch with an ASU coach, discussing a possible position on the university’s team. Gutierrez’s main goal is to pursue water polo at a college level and express her strong passion for the sport.
[When I found out ASU reached out] I was shocked, because ASU is a really good water polo school. I was surprised because people tell me I can go Division 1 (D1), but it did not feel real to me,” Guiterrez said. “Although, I have been with it for so long it would feel weird not to play. It’s something I do everyday and I never get sick of it.”
As Gutierrez told others like Hardin and Alexander about ASU, they were not surprised as they understood the outstanding player she is. Hardin assisted Gutierrez with managing the communication process between her and ASU as they kept in contact.
“When she told me, I was shocked, but I already knew she was going to D1. I helped her out with her text messages with the coach because I went through the same process. Just like water polo and swimming, I was able to help her out,” Hardin said.
Being approached by a top school has become a milestone in Gutierrez’s life. Taking difficult classes like International Bachelorette (IB) Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) and IB Math Analysis and Approaches (A&A), has allowed Gutierrez to find the perfect balance between academics and sports.
“Over the years it has gotten a little easier [academic wise]. I got a schedule down and did homework after practice and balanced my studying and tests. Although, sometimes when there is a hard game coming up I can find it a little mentally draining and school is always mentally draining. Water polo is the outlet to the negative stress [in school],” Gutierrez said.
Not only has Gutierrez found a good rhythm managing her academic life but with friends and her personal life as well. Hardin describes that her personality has constantly stayed optimistic. In the end, Hardin describes how Gutierrez is both an amazing player and friend.
“Her school life and sports life are the same. She is the same fun silly person to be around and is the same way on the field and at school. At school she is more calmer and comprises herself but in the water she can show off her energy. She is one of my best friends and I am going to miss her so much when I am gone,” Hardin said.
Being able to manage an efficient school and social system shows in her performance as she does well during practice and games. Hardin and Alexander recognize her performance and share how Gutierrez has grown as a person from her first game to now.
“She has grown in the way she plays and has evolved from a one man show to her and her teammates finding the perfect synchronicity. It’s beautiful to see them play together. She is a wonderful team mate and leads by example,” Alexander said.
As Guiterrez considers ASU as her top school she reiterates her strong support system that has gotten her to where she is right now. Hoping to be able to play her sport in college, Gutierrez acknowledges the consistent support she has gained and received from her family, coach and friends.
“My coaches, parents and brother have been some of my biggest supporters. My coaches push me and tell me I can go D1 and always keep it real. They give me confidence to believe I can achieve it. My brother definitely taught me some skills and guided me,” Guiterrez said.
As recruiting season is still in progress, Guiterrez plans to spend the summer at camps, tournaments and competitions to attract more recruits. Alexander understands the importance of achieving this goal and appreciates Guiterrez’s enthusiasm.
“Guiterrez is not only an amazing water polo player and swimmer, but also a wonderful person. I would like her to believe everyone when we say she is exceptional. Few excellent athletes are so humble and respectful,” Alexander said. “As well, [I tell her to] enjoy every minute, every practice, every game because time does fly and water polo gets in your blood when you’re so good at it.”
