Fairie Hughes ’15 has been on Varsity Girls Water Polo since her freshman year. Currently a senior, Hughes discusses her life as a student athlete and her plans for the future.

Q: How and why did you start playing water polo?

A: “I started playing when I was about 10 and I only did it because swim season was over and I didn’t have anything else to do.”

Q: How do you balance your time between school work and sports?

A: “School work always comes first for me. I do a lot of homework in my study halls so that I don’t have to worry about it when I get home and so I can get enough sleep at night. Though if I do have an overload of homework I’ll miss a bit of practice to finish it.”

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?

A: “Mostly just stretching a lot and doing our cheer as a team.”

Q: What do you think is the most exciting part of water polo?

A: “Oh I love shooting. Especially since I feel like it’s the hardest thing to do because you constantly have 1+ defenders on you so being able to actually make a goal is thrilling.”

Q: What clubs have you played for?

A: “I’ve only played for the Chicago Park District.”

Q: Do you intend on playing water polo in college?

A: “I don’t plan on playing on the varsity team but I do hope to play intramural water polo.”

Q: Who is your water polo role model?

A: “Definitely my brothers. They have both been recruited by Ivy League schools to play water polo and seeing their success has pushed me to play the best that I can.”