What This Scholarship Means to Me

This scholarship means a lot to me because it honors Vaughn Bigelow Jr, his love for water polo, good sportsmanship and the development of the sport in Colorado. Though I did not know Vaughn directly, I know we shared a love of water polo and being a part of this amazing community. The attributes that helped me to be successful in water polo and so far in life are kindness, dependability, sportsmanship and supporting others – attributes that I understand Vaughn had as well.

Although I had the opportunity to play water polo in college, I chose a school that does not have water polo but that is situated directly on the water - Eckerd College on Florida’s gulf coast. At Eckerd I will pursue a degree in marine science and animal studies, which will give me the opportunity to have a career in or near the water. I love scuba diving and hope to spend a lot of time exploring the reefs and other amazing water experiences in Florida or abroad. Even though I won’t be playing water polo in college, I hope to stay involved by either starting a club team or playing with a local masters team. I will continue to play at tournaments with the Denver masters team and if I return to Denver after college, I will play with the DU Masters team and help continue the spread of water polo in Colorado.

Being awarded this scholarship in honor of Vaughn will keep me connected to water polo even if I’m not playing. It’s a great honor to be recognized for the characteristics that exemplified Vaughn. I feel a well-rounded athlete leads to a well-rounded person and as I continue on in life I am committed to staying true to myself as well as being there for those around me. I am deeply appreciative of this scholarship and I will always hold Vaughn and his family close to my heart and know how much it has impacted both my life and the Colorado water polo community.

Elise Ackley

2020 Vaughn Bigelow Jr Scholarship Recipient