IRVINE, Calif. – As the 2018 season gets underway, we will wrap up our countdown series with senior Keana Eldridge (Riverside, Calif. /Riverside Poly HS).
 
UCI PROFILE
I'm a double major in education and psychology and social behavior with specializations in children's learning and development as well as English language learning.
 
SUPPORT SYSTEM
My favorite part about being on a team is definitely the connections and bonds that you form with your teammates. Not only are they a support system, they become part of your family. I couldn't imagine not seeing those girls (almost) every day. 
 
HIT THE SLOPES
My favorite sport other than water polo would have to be skiing and snowboarding. That was a huge part of my life growing up; almost every weekend during winter was spent taking ski trips up to Mammoth. I've had to take a hiatus during college due to commitment to water polo but once I graduate, I'll definitely be taking more than a couple trips. 
 
INSPIRATION
My inspiration absolutely hands-down, it is my mom. She has a goal of always being the happiest person in the room and she really commits to it. I'm just really very thankful for her and she inspires me to be the best version of myself each and every day. 
 
LIKES AND DISLIKES
I am a huge fan of candles. I have a pretty solid collection of them and there is nothing quite as relaxing as getting home from a long day and lighting a candle (or four) and watching some Netflix in bed. My friends and family know that it's a fail-proof gift to get me a candle for any occasion. 
 
I LOATHE bananas. I never liked them growing up and I certainly do not like them now. The texture, the smell… Yuck! 
 
I don't really do hugs. It's an ongoing joke on the team that I only hug people one time a year and that's their annual birthday hug. It's a pretty special occasion. 
 
My favorite Netflix binge show: The Great British Baking Show - I could watch this show for hours upon hours. During finals week, it is my go-to study break/de-stressor because the atmosphere on the show is so pleasant. I've gotten my friends hooked on it, you should go check it out. 
 
I actually don't really enjoy watching movies but if I HAD to choose a favorite movie it would be Hot Rod. It's such a silly movie but every time I watch it, it just cracks me up.