Sophomore Piper Smith recently returned from the World University Games in Naples, Italy. Smith and senior Tara Prentice were selected to represent Team USA at the 30^th Summer Universiade. The games took place from July 2-14. 

Smith completed a breakout freshman season as UCI's third leading scorer with 41 goals, six assists and 15 steals. She was named to All-Big West Second Team as well as the All-Freshman team.
 

"Having the opportunity to travel abroad and play a sport you love is something many young athletes aspire to do. For myself, being able to travel to Naples, Italy to participate in the World University Games for Team USA was an incredibly unforgettable experience. Even when stepping onto the plane with all my bags packed and training complete, it didn't feel real that was getting on a plane to Italy to play water polo in the World University Games. The first moment where it all hit me was at opening ceremonies when there were cameras, thousands of eyes watching us, and loud cheers and chants as you walk out into the center of a stadium with bright lights and loud music. This was the moment I finally thought to myself "oh wait, lil old me in this big world is HERE doing THIS?!" I will never forget that feeling I had that night because after that it was go time, it was time to start playing some water polo. At the end of the trip, we walked away with our heads held high with an eight-place finish. One of the reasons we were able to stay positive about a result many would sulk about was because we knew at the end of each game, every single one of us given it our all.
 

The most memorable parts of the trip were being able to build lifelong bonds with some of the girls from other universities such as UCLA, Cal, and USC. Although during the collegiate season we are opponents battling in the water, this summer we were able to combine our water polo skills to achieve the same goals. Although it was difficult to learn how to play with different players in such a short amount of time, we all put our best foot forward for the better of the team.
 

After the competition was over I was able to spend some time with my parents traveling to places such as the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Capri. It warmed my heart knowing that through hard work I was able to give my parents, who have been my biggest supporter throughout my water polo career, a mini Italian vacation while also being able to sight-see alongside them.
 

Another reason I am thankful for this trip is that I walked into this experience with an open mind and walked away with new water polo skills and knowledge I can take back to UCI to help strengthen my team. As valuable as it is to continually grow as a water polo athlete, I was able to take away many life lessons out of the pool that I will carry with me every day as well. I hope to use this trip and the lessons I learned as more motivation to continue my growth as a student athlete at UCI."