The sound of water splashing has always been a comforting rhythm to Senior Kylie Williams. Though dedication, natural athleticism, and hundreds of hours of practice and competitions, Williams has devoted herself to her sport on the collegiate level by committing to Indiana University to continue her academic and athletic career in Division I Water Polo. 

Long before she became a Division I athlete, Williams began her water polo career in middle school. 

“After I played my first tournament in middle school, I fell in love with the sport,” Williams said. “My dad asked me to focus on one sport which was either basketball or waterpolo, and so I stuck with water polo.”

In 2021, Williams and a few other families assembled to create a school water polo team. It was approved by the school board, and the school water polo team was founded in 2021. Since then, Williams has been playing both high school water polo and club water polo at Pegasus Aquatics. 

Williams became captain of the school water polo team as a junior, after her first year on the team. As a senior, she is returning to the captain position. Williams has credited this leadership role for allowing her to continue to thrive in water polo.

“ I feel like it’s helped me with communication and leadership skills, which has brought me to a higher standard and higher level in water polo,” Williams said.

Senior and teammate Caroline Karpenko states that Williams is an extraordinary teammate and contributive member of the team.

“She’s really just such a great leader that it makes it feel like we’re one big family,” Karpenko said.

Williams committed to Indiana in June of 2024. Though most of the water polo competition is out in California, Williams didn’t feel drawn to the state.

“I was born in California, and so I already know what California is like,” Williams said. “Even though I love California, I didn’t really want to live there or go to school there.”

Outside of California, Indiana was a strong school choice for Williams because of the duality of the friendly and competitive atmosphere, the comfortable environment on campus, and their keen interest in Williams’s athleticism.

“It felt more like home than any other college,” Williams said. “And it felt like Indiana wanted me a lot more than other colleges did, so they stood out to me more. 

A few weeks ago Williams confirmed she made the right decision when she had her official visit to Indiana. The team and coaches were welcoming and inclusive which cemented her excitement for the next four years.

“The girls [on the team] were amazing, right when I got there they treated me like family,” Williams said.

School Water Polo Coach Christopher Cullen has known Williams since she was twelve years old when they met at the USA Water Polo Olympic development program when he was her coach. From the get-go, Cullen said he could tell Williams had real potential.

“She was far better than all the other kids her age, there are lots of kids who have natural talent but she also worked very hard,” Cullen said

Cullen had believed in Williams’ work ethic and execution during practice over the years.

“I knew if she worked hard and did what she needed to do every day she would be able to reach that goal of Division 1 water polo,” Cullen said.

Next year, Williams says she will miss the team’s camaraderie the most as the team thoroughly enjoys their time together. From tournaments to bus rides and dinners, the extremely strong bond of the water polo team holds a special place in her heart.

“I feel like every year we’ve gotten closer and closer,” Williams said. “The girls are amazing. They’re like my family.”

In addition to her fun-spirited personality, Karpenko states that the team will also miss Williams’ vast knowledge of the game. Williams often gives helpful pointers at games and practices because of her aptitude for water polo.

“I think we’ll definitely miss her expertise and the way she knows so much about the game,” Karpenko said.

Williams is a very motivated athlete and has many aspirations in her future. During her time in college, she hopes to win a national title with her college team. 

“I hope that we can be at least top five or maybe even number one by the end of my senior year,” Williams said

Karpenko has high hopes for Williams and her plans in college because she has been playing at a high level for so long, and unquestionably believes that Williams will achieve all of her collegiate goals. 

“I have no doubt that Kylie will someday make it to the Olympic team,” Karpenko said.
“She’s just such an amazing player and honestly, it’s a gift to be able to play with her.”