Throughout high school, many student athletes dream of pursuing their sport in college; unfortunately, very few are able to accomplish this goal. However, this never hindered senior Olivia Ocampo from accomplishing her goal of playing collegiate water polo at Azusa Pacific University (APU).
Ocampo developed a love of the water from a young age, as her mother was a swim coach. By 9-years-old, she joined the Commerce Water Polo Team and became enamored with the sport as it combined, “everything [she] enjoyed—swimming, friendship, and competition.”
When asked about why she chose APU over other colleges, she stated, “I chose APU because they prioritize kindness and faith, which are both really important to me. From my first junior visit to my most recent experience at Night at the Zu, I could see how much they value creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. I also have a lot of respect for Coach Priscilla Gomez—not only was she an amazing athlete, but she’s also incredibly kind. I know she’ll not only coach me in the pool but also mentor me in life.”
Ocampo’s road to success has not always been linear; throughout the course of her journey balancing being both a student and a high performing athlete, she has had to deal with obstacles like being hard of hearing. However, in the face of adversity, she continues to work at her sport every day to inspire others to persevere against their challenges.
“That’s why I work extra hard—to be a positive example for kids with disabilities,” said Ocampo. “I want to show them that they belong in this sport too. The challenges I face motivate me to keep going, not just for myself, but to set an example and be a source of support for other kids like me.”
Ocampo is an inspiration to student athletes aspiring to compete at the collegiate level.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that’s through tutoring or simply asking questions,” said Ocampo. “Also, if you have an [Individualized Education Plan], don’t let anyone tell you that it’s impossible to succeed. It’s not impossible—it’s just going to be harder. But that’s why it’s worth it. Your path may look different, but you can reach your goals.”
Overall, Ocampo is a role model not only for aspiring female collegiate athletes, but also for anyone who has a disability. Through her strong work ethic and unrelenting discipline, there is no doubt she will be successful.
