Orange Lutheran senior Michelle Urkov was first introduced to water polo at age 10 by a close friend and fellow swimmer. Urkov felt an instant connection to the sport, and she enjoys the unique blend of athleticism and strategy water polo requires.
 
"I love the sport because it's very aggressive," says Urkov. "You have to have a certain mindset when playing this sport and it's very mental. It's also a great outlet from school…and you get to see all your friends. That's what I love about it."
 
Urkov and her teammates made OLu school history over the past two seasons by winning back-to-back CIF Open Division championships alongside achieving a 31-0 season record last year. Her goals for her senior season include improving her sprint speed and keeping the team's recent success in perspective. As a senior leader, she is dedicated to strengthening the program's legacy by mentoring and guiding the younger team members.
 
"Michelle Urkov is the hardest working athlete I have ever had the privilege of coaching," says OLu girls water polo head coach Brenda Villa. "She sets the standard with her dedication and work ethic, both in the water and in the weight room. Michelle leads by example, inspiring those around her to push themselves to be better—both in their training and as individuals. It has been a blessing to be her coach."
 
One of Urkov's most challenging times in water polo is paired with one of her favorite moments as a Lancer. After battling a rotator cuff injury for most of her sophomore season, she was able to get some key playing time in the CIF championship match against Foothill where she scored two crucial goals in OLu's come-from-behind win in to secure the first of two consecutive Open Division titles.
 
"That second half was very special to us," says Urkov. "It was really great to see our team rebound off of that and end up winning the game. We worked all season for that, and it was a very special moment."
 
Dedication, determination and keeping a growth mindset are just a few of the life lessons Urkov draws from the sport.
 
"Water polo takes up most of my time in my life, and just having the determination for that one thing has taught me a lot about other things," says the four-year varsity player. "I feel like it has taught me to keep pressing and have a growth mindset, no matter how hard it is."
 
Urkov's love for the water extends far beyond the pool. Last summer she represented North America in the 2024 International Bodysurfing Association (IBSA) World Tour Finals held in Hawaii. She was one of four women on the team to make the trip, and she was both the sole representative from Orange County as well as the youngest athlete to qualify across both the men's and women's divisions.
 
Although she has already qualified for the 2025 IBSA World Finals to be held in Australia this April, Urkov is unsure if she will attend. She is looking ahead to her next steps after graduation, which include continuing her academic and athletic pursuits at UCI where she will be part of the school's women's water polo program alongside studying either business or medicine.
 
When it comes to role models, Urkov's parents are at the top of her list, along with many of her former Lancer teammates who helped pave the way through their work ethic and dedication.
 
"My parents are for sure my top two greatest role models in my life," says Urkov. "They both worked [hard] in school, and I have followed that as best as I could, which I'm very proud of."