BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) is spotlighting the 2020 women’s seniors who had their season cut-short due to the Coronavirus. Conducted through written word or by video, the league’s intention is to recognize its membership.
Next up in the series are University of Colorado Boulder seniors Madeleine Morgan and Emma Bradley who are recognized by teammates Esme Stotland and Maya Short of the Buffaloes’ water polo team.
Madeleine Morgan
- Mads, Bones, Mom – I have met very few people in my life who are as kind and selfless as you are. You gave Buff polo 110% in every way, and made everyone feel welcome and loved. You made it easy to love coming to practice. Though you’re a total beast (sko mads), you are so humble about it, and never complain about how tough your job is as a keeper. It is so clear to me that you love water polo, this program and this team. I am so sad that you didn’t get to finish out the season how you expected to, and I wish more than anything that I could’ve watched you absolutely crush it in our last two tournaments. I am so sorry this happened, but I am also so incredibly lucky to have gotten to be your teammate for the amount of time that I did. I can truly say I am a better person having experienced your kindness, leadership and dedication throughout this season. I will miss you so so SO much next season, it won’t be the same without my practice buddy. I love love LOVE you, you are the best in every way, never change – Esme Stotland
- Mads – Thank you so much for fighting against all the odds to plan, organize, and lead the team. Instantly, when I saw you guys practicing I knew the team was something I needed to be apart of. I absolutely think it was the best decision I ever made at CU! Madeline was a leader in the details and has a special way of making everyone feel important and scene. Madeline saw me in the library after doing horribly on one of the hardest exams I had ever taken and instantly came over to help. She intentionally listened and was there for me, the way she always is. Mads you will be missed times a million, but your legacy will live through the team you made feel like a family. I can’t wait to see you in the bleachers and drag everyone to your masters games. See you so soon – Maya Short
Emma Bradley
- Emma – There are very few people who have as much positive energy as you do Emma. Every moment I got to spend with you these past few months I was laughing or smiling. You are such a joy to be around and I can’t help but smile when I’m around you. You put so much effort into making sure everyone was not only enjoying themselves, but making sure that it this team was a safe space. You work so incredibly hard and it was so much fun to watch you ball out during games (extra big fan of your cute little post goal celebration and smile). The work you put into this team both in and out of the pool does not go unnoticed, and I am so grateful for all that you did this season. You are unapologeticaly yourself and I love it (as does everyone else). I am so bummed that this season didn’t end in the way you expected it to, and I really wished I could’ve watched you sauce on all the other teams in our last two tournaments. Thank you for making my first college polo season so memorable and wonderful. I will miss you and your fun commentary so much next year. It won’t be the same without you. I love you always!! Never change – Esme Stotland
- Emma – You have the most amazing sense of humor, an iconic energy, and are literally a fashion queen. Not only that but you have a way of being one of the most inclusive people I know. I think you bring out the best in others by always being yourself and valuing everyone else for who they are. Emma was the queen or inviting us to her house to study and hang out outside of the pool, and she always had a special way of making it all feel so natural. I truly hate meeting new people, but somehow you made it all so easy. Not only that, but I know we never mentioned it, but I know you worked so incredibly hard to have a team this season. I didn’t realize that it was you booking the hotel rooms and the vans until it was too late to thank you. The New Mexico tournament may have been one of the best memories, it was perfect, and I am so thankful for it all. We will all miss you more than you know – Maya Short
