Fall Charge -- Bella Schraa (Women's Water Polo)

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Dear Bucknell Women's Polo Community,

Since a fairly young age, being a collegiate athlete was something I dreamed of achieving. Today, I have achieved that dream at Bucknell University where I have flourished and grown to my highest potential academically and athletically. Through the support of the Bucknell community, I have had the most amazing experience so far being a Division I student-athlete.

Bucknell has done an incredible job supporting the women’s water polo team with the necessary resources to succeed. With this, I know that our team has the potential to grow to a top nationally ranked program and that is something I look forward to achieving before I graduate. I am honored and proud to be part of a team where everybody is ready to work hard and is hungry to win. This program has allowed me to work with other passionate, strong women who push me every single day to be the best version of myself.

It was really easy to decide that I was going to be playing my collegiate years at Bucknell. From the moment I first stepped foot on this campus, I knew that it would be my new home. With all the beautiful facilities and friendly faces around the KLARC, it was hard to say no to a school like Bucknell. The athletic department has made my experience so positive and I can proudly say that I made the best decision choosing Bucknell.

Playing a team sport, you naturally learn many skills, including time management, teamwork, work ethic, and so much more. The coaching staff has also emphasized many leadership skills to hopefully one day prepare me and my teammates for potential leadership positions in the future. These are just a few of the things I am extremely grateful for, as these are skills and experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Bucknell has allowed me to be part of a team where I constantly feel supported and loved. I have met people, whether they were on my team or a staff member accompanying the team, who will become my lifelong friends. The Bucknell women’s water polo team has become my family away from home and I would not want it any other way.

With another year of Bison Athletics in full swing, I am honored to share my experience with our loyal alumni, families, and friends. The support we receive is what has made my experience so positive thus far. Every dollar helps assure a bright future for the women’s water polo program by providing us with our equipment, travel, meals, and so much more.

On behalf of my coaches, teammates, and Bucknell Athletics, we would like to thank you for all your support, as none of this would be possible without you.

Go Bison!

Bella Schraa '26
Majoring in Finance
Bucknell Women's Water Polo