Kathy Rogers, Class of 2017

In 2017, I graduated from Trinity and started at the University of Michigan. This was a four-year degree programme where I studied Public Health. Alongside this, I played in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) league. This included 20 hours of training a week and competitions around the US. It was a truly amazing experience; the collegiate system is amazing for developing you as an athlete, while studying.

After graduating, I started playing professionally. The first two contracts I had were in Greece, where I played for NO Larissa. Here, I also started two online master’s programmes: one in Global Health from the University of Manchester, and the second in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

For this past season, I have played for CN Catalunya in Barcelona. I have really enjoyed the Spanish league and love the city, so I have signed up to stay at CN Catalunya for the upcoming season. I hope to graduate with my master’s this summer and pursue a PhD, but maybe after the water polo career.

What initially drew you to water polo, and when did you start playing?

I started playing when I was eight years old. I joined because my two older brothers played, and I always wanted to be a part of anything they did. I think I fell in love with the sport because I enjoy being on a team and I loved being in the water and it’s a super fun way to do that.

How did you balance your academic and athletic commitments during your time as a student-athlete?

Although I did this a lot during school, finding time to do homework with training before and after school, it took time to really figure out how to do it well.

Make sure you have a plan and know your deadlines: this allows you to prioritise, but also be flexible with it. Working out how you study best allows you to save time with schoolwork. There is also some element of sacrifice. I have always made training my priority, and then school work was a must, so I definitely missed social events and doing other things. However, water polo has now become my job and it takes me all around the globe, so it is for sure worth it.

Can you share a memorable moment or game from your water polo career?

I don’t think there is any one moment. Often it’s the little small things you work for in training on a daily basis as a team and when they come into a game and work, I think those are the most gratifying moments in sport.

I’ve had some really big games this year, particularly for GB, like beating Portugal to qualify for the Europeans, beating Israel and Croatia to qualify for the World Championship and then beating South Africa to finish top 12. All of these were really special, but what I like the most about them was sharing the moments with my teammates, who I know all give so much to play.

What specific skills or attributes do you think contributed most to your success in water polo?

I think that I am very coachable. I am good at taking my coaches’ advice and applying it. I really enjoy learning tactics or skills. I am also very determined and competitive, which means that when I am struggling with something, I rarely give up on it, especially if those around me can do it.

How did you overcome setbacks or failures along the way?

I think the main thing I have struggled with is my mental health. For me, what was important is that I asked for help and was willing to take some time off to let myself heal. It does take time and energy to learn skills that will improve your mental health, but having tools that I can implement daily has allowed me to really enjoy water polo and life beyond the pool.

Can you describe the camaraderie and team dynamics within your water polo team?

I love being part of a team in water polo. You go through so many highs and lows, and your teammates become your closest friends. There is always good banter and a lot of fun when being on a team, and that’s normally what gets you through the hard parts.

What role did your coaches play in your development as a water polo player?

I’ve had so many fantastic coaches, and Sean King is definitely on the list. As an athlete, along with most jobs, it’s hard to turn up every day super-motivated and ready to go, and many coaches have been there to motivate me on a day-to-day basis. Many of the best coaches don’t just coach when you are in the pool, but teach you how to be an athlete and the discipline needed.

What changes would you like to see in the development of water polo, particularly at the grassroots level?

The biggest change I want to see is increased participation. I think that water polo can teach you so many water safety skills and it allows kids to learn how to tread water and be fine with being splashed or going under the water. I think it is a very enjoyable way to spend time in the pool. When you are in PE classes, you don’t just run, you play different sports, so I think it’s important not just to swim but also to do other aquatic sports.

What were some of the most memorable lessons you learnt from your water polo career?

I think it would be about my mental health; when you stop enjoying what you are doing and that affects other parts of your life, it’s important to be able to recognise that something needs to change. For me, I struggled to ask for help, and learning that it’s OK not to have everything under control at all times and that you need help was important. I think that making sure you enjoy at least the majority of your daily job is important.

How has your experience in water polo influenced your life beyond the pool?

I think the biggest influence on it is skills like discipline, determination, and the value of hard work. I hope that these skills will stay with me for life, because I know how useful they are in achieving any goal I set myself. Again, keep in mind that it’s important to enjoy what you are doing.