Athlete Spotlight: Daria Piotrowicz

Daria is a grade 11 student at St. Mary's Academy (SMA). She has only been playing water polo for three years, but has become a very important member of the team, whether in School League or club as goalie extraordinaire. This season she has also been playing with the Mavericks Water Polo Club 18U team (out of Ontario) in the National Championship League (NCL).

It has been amazing to watch Daria grow as an athlete!

When and how did you get into water polo?

My water polo journey started 3 years ago when a poster appeared at school advertising a new sport coming to SMA. At the time I was doing speed swimming so I thought it would be fun to try a different water sport!

My SMA coach, James Villa, put me in the net since I was tall and had some potential at being a good goalie. I was recruited by the Vortex Water Polo Club and I’ve been playing ever since!

What is the best advice in water polo you have ever received?

Coach Ana once said: “the same water that hardens an egg, softens a potato”. To me, this means that the pool and the game don’t change, but it’s my mindset that decides whether I grow or fall apart. I tend to overthink and over-analyze my performance and so this reminds me that I should focus on the future and grow stronger with every experience.

What water polo skill was the hardest to learn?

As a goalie, saving lobs. It takes a lot of coordination to go both backwards and use your other arm to save the ball. It’s also a bit tricky to decipher whether it is a shot is a lob or a hard shot and then to be able to switch between how to save them very quickly.

What motivates you?

Tournaments and games motivate me because I always want to work towards being my best self, both in and out of the water. I find I play better whenever there is a high-pressure game such as the school-league finals, where I'm motivated to do my best and secure a win, which is what I was able to do this year. [SMA took first place in the girl's High School Division!]

I also find having a timeline and goals helps me strive and put in more effort during practices. I love testing my abilities and proving to myself that I am improving.

If you could choose one superpower, what would it be?

Probably mind-reading, since I would love to know what a person is planning on doing, whether it’s shooting the ball or passing it to a teammate, before the ball actually gets to my net.  I would know where the shot might be going before it leaves their hand, so I could anticipate where to jump. This would be most helpful for five meters [penalty shot] or shoot-outs.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Recently I have been considering anesthesiology. Overall, I know I want to go into medicine, and whatever happens after that, only time will tell.

What other sports or hobbies do you enjoy?

Outside of water polo, I really enjoy reading. I love how books allow me to experience other worlds and perspectives that are beyond my own imagination. Whenever I travel, I enjoy hiking and climbing mountains, as I find it relaxing and very peaceful.

During school breaks, I volunteer at Zoo Camp where I help kids have a great and memorable experience while also learning new information about animals and the environment.

What is one thing you could not go a day without?

My dog, Dixie, a mini goldendoodle. She has been by my side through every stage of my life since my 7th birthday. I love coming home to see her wagging her tail and spending time with her, especially when I get to teach her new tricks.

What is one thing that automatically makes your day better?

Getting to see my Vortex team and coaches, especially after a stressful day at school, makes my day a million times better. Water polo has given me some great friends, and getting to see them five out of seven days of the week is truly wonderful.