Super Bowl Sunday was a special day for Bellevue Wolverines senior water polo player Marco Stanchi this past February.
Stanchi, who signed his letter of intent with the Stanford University water polo program on Feb. 4, made up his mind three days before (Feb. 1) officially signing on the dotted line during a signing ceremony at Bellevue High School.
“Once I made my decision, that is when I called the other schools who were recruiting me to let them know I was going to Stanford,” Stanchi said.
The Air Force Academy, UCLA and the University of California (Berkeley) were the other schools clamoring for Stanchi’s services.
Stanchi, who thrives not only in the pool but also has a 3.96 cumulative GPA, said Stanford University is the perfect fit for him athletically and academically. He isn’t sure what kind of degree he wants to pursue as an undergrad but says he definitely has a long-term goal of attending law school.
“When I went on my recruiting trip, I got the chance to attend one of their classes. They are big on creativeness and believe no idea is a stupid idea. I enjoyed the cooperative, collaborative learning environment,” Stanchi said. “Water polo-wise there was something about the group of players I liked. They are serious about academics and water polo. It’s just a great balance and that was very appealing to me.”
The Stanford University men’s water polo program is held in high regard across the nation.
“I want to win national Championships. Stanford hasn’t won a national title since 2002. The last two years in a row they’ve finished in third place. Last year they lost in the semi-finals by one goal in overtime. I can’t wait to be part of the team,” Stanchi said.
The past four seasons as a Wolverine is something Stanchi will cherish for the rest of his life.
“The Bellevue water polo program made me fall in love with water polo. They got me started,” he said. “Winning the state title last year was great. I know us as seniors wanted to be able to keep the legacy going. We didn’t want to be that team that killed the dynasty. We asserted our dominance last year and we’re glad we kept the dynasty alive.”
The fact Stanchi will play water polo at the highest level of collegiate athletics is remarkable considering his background in the sport. Flashback to just a mere four years ago: Stanchi had never played water polo in his life. He was an avid swimmer and baseball player during his childhood.
Stanchi said he didn’t try water polo until his freshman year of high school. Once he started the sport of water polo, he gave up baseball for good but continued on the swim team.
“I’m a really competitive person. When I start a new sport, I want to be really good at it. I put in a lot of work and took every opportunity I could to get better. It paid off for me,” Stanchi said. “I’m honestly still kind of in shock I will be playing for Stanford. I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet.”
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
