We are lucky at TuHS to have so many amazing athletes, and it’s important that we recognize their hard work. Not only is it great to excel at a sport in high school, but continuing to play in college is even more impressive, especially at the Division 1 level. 

One senior in particular, Sienna Hoff, is making waves. She has officially committed to Siena College in New York to play D1 water polo. Though she only started playing as a freshman, she has been a varsity starter all four years, becoming a crucial asset to the team. Her dedication, leadership and skill have set her apart as one of the top athletes in the program. 

“I’m looking forward to challenging myself and growing within water polo, both in the sport and as a person. Water polo is such a big part of who I’ve become, and I’m so excited to continue that personal growth through the sport that I love,” said Hoff. 

Balancing academics and athletics, however, requires serious commitment, and Hoff has what it takes.

“Time management is key to succeeding in both academics and water polo,” she said. “There were some days when I wouldn’t get home until 10 because of sports, and while it was hard to do homework that late, my competitiveness and drive to succeed made it possible. When there’s a lot on my plate, I remind myself of my love for both academics and water polo, and that gets me through. Now it has paid off, and all the long days were completely worth it.” 

While the sport has taken her across the country, Hoff says her strong friendships and connections have been the most rewarding part of playing at Tualatin. She’s grateful to have been in a program with teammates from different schools and a supportive coach by her side.

Her proudest moment didn’t come from a win, but after a hard-fought home game.

“It was a tough loss, but I was in the water, coaching, motivating and supporting the team the whole time. I stepped up and used all of my experience to bring others up,” she said. “By the end, my best friend/co-captain and I were exhausted from playing every second of the game, but we looked at each other and hugged, and the loss didn’t even matter. I was so proud to be a part of a team and a partnership where we completely support and bring each other up. There’s nothing like the friendship and bond between athletes, and I was so proud to be a part of that.”