My journey to UC Davis was unconventional.
 
Growing up, I would travel every so often to visit my great aunt in Davis; my family always entertained the thought of me attending the university one day. For some reason, I was always against the idea and turned my head in other directions.
 
I was highly dedicated to water polo during high school and focused on playing at a high-level university. I attended weekend training sessions with expert coaches, chauffeured by my father as he drove me up and down California to follow my passion. Eventually, when my senior year came around and conversations with coaches began, I realized that I received a voicemail from a Davis phone number.
 
Little did I know that message was from head coach Dan Leyson asking if I had any interest in UC Davis and its water polo program. 
 
I initially thought back to my younger experiences and how I was disinterested in Davis. However, after speaking with Coach Leyson and unofficially visiting the campus at the beginning of my senior year, I realized that my perspective about UC Davis was clouded. It was easy to see that the university offered a unique environment with unlimited opportunities, and I wanted to become a part of it. 
 
One of the main selling points for me was the close-knit community and small-town energy that Davis naturally provides. When at Davis, you are in a place where the actions you make have a visible impact. The opportunity is yours and those around you want to celebrate your success. Aggie Pride is widespread!
 
Everyone around you is grateful to be here. Your friends and alumni are there to support and elevate you; UC Davis has a unique culture and offers a familial relationship.
 
Upon my arrival as a UC Davis student-athlete, I made it my goal to represent Aggie Pride to the best of my ability. One of my most prideful moments came during my junior year: It was the beginning of the season and my first as the starting goalkeeper. We were preparing for a matchup against Cal, a challenging opponent that our program never defeated in regular season competition. As we approached the match, my team and I were excited for the opportunity to give the Golden Bears a run for their money.
 
It was a hard-fought match, and in the final minute of regulation, we erased a two-goal deficit to tie the game and force overtime. We came out on top in overtime and became the first UC Davis water polo team to defeat Cal in the regular season. 
 
Looking back on this moment, I now realize that it is the epitome of Aggie Pride: We came together as a team, we embraced the challenge, never gave up, and came out victorious. This win resonated with me and underscored my desire to be in a place where I could make a difference, striving to bring new achievements for the program and university that I was representing.
 
Another major thing that I learned as a student-athlete is how to become resilient.
 
While preparing for my senior season, I was faced with the harsh reality of being unable to compete. Although there was a 2021 NCAA men's water polo season, my team and I were unfortunately sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was excruciating to watch other schools and fellow student-athletes participate in their respective competitions, fulfilling their final year of athletics while I was sitting in my room at home. I was heartbroken when realizing that I would never have the opportunity to officially close the last chapter of my lifetime of athletics.

Still, I overcame these feelings through my instilled resilience that I trained over the previous years and made it my goal to stay true to myself, deal with the hand I was given, and do my best to move forward with a positive attitude into the next chapter of my life. 
 
Lastly, Davis provided me with a space where I could learn the true meaning of teamwork and friendship. Through the countless hours of year-round practice with my teammates, I created forever bonds that I will always cherish. One of the most fortunate, and best experiences that instilled camaraderie within our team was a summer trip to Barcelona and Croatia. Along with practicing water polo at a high level overseas, merely being in a foreign environment and navigating different circumstances together was enriching for maintaining tight-knit relationships, truly making the trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This was undoubtedly beneficial for our group as we would go on that season to win the Western Water Polo Association Championship and qualify for the NCAA Championships.
 
Although my career as a UC Davis student-athlete did not end the way I imagined, every experience shaped my character for future success. I am grateful for the support given from fellow students and alumni. Being involved in a high-level athletic program also instilled resilience and teamwork.
 
I am thankful to Coach Leyson, my teammates, the Intercollegiate Athletics Department and the UC Davis community for fully supporting my athletic and academic endeavors. I will fondly reflect upon my time at UC Davis as I venture forward in the professional world.
 
Thank you,
Jonah Addington
UC Davis Men's Water Polo Class of 2021