CALGARY, Alberta --- Lizzy Birch actively sought out an adventure like the one she'll embark on  with Biola Women's Water Polo. She's always hoped that her play with high performance teams in Alberta would afford her the opportunity to play collegiately in the United States. And the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on a newly formed program was just too good to pass up. 

While it will be a big move for Birch to head to La Mirada and help Head Coach Sarah Orozco inject momentum into Biola Women's Water Polo, the Alberta-native has assurance to lean on. First, Birch can glean from the experience of her older sister Alyssa, who captained her water polo team at closeby California Baptist University. And second, Birch has established herself a strong pillar for her own water polo teams. She's a player teammates and coaches can rely on to be a leader and playmaker.

Following her sister's footsteps in coming to the states, Lizzy has already a great view of what water polo in the United States looks like," said Coach Orozco. "Lizzy will bring a dynamic style and tone to our gameplay and I'm excited to see her thrive in all aspects at a place like Biola."

One only need to look at the way Birch has excelled with the Calgary Renegades Water Polo Club to find proof of her character and capabilities. Over the last three years, Birch served as a captain for her 19U team and the 16U team that went to the national finals, was selected to represent Alberta at the 2018 Pan Pacific Games in Auckland, New Zealand, and played with sister Alyssa on a combined 19U and Senior roster that advanced to the semifinals at the Senior National Championship.

Along the way, Birch also collected two team MVP awards and an All-Star Team recognition at the 2018 16U Western Finals. She has focused on training with her club team in recent months since graduating from John G. Diefenbaker High School this past May and is eager to see what lies ahead of her at Biola. 

"I chose Biola because I believe it is a community filled with people who will push me and help me grow in all aspects of my life including academically, athletically, and spiritually," said Birch. "I am also beyond excited to be part of a new program! I think there is something amazing about being part of the first year of the Women's Water Polo program and helping build this team and its legacy."

Outside of her training, Birch has been named to three honor rolls at her high school and enjoys investing in children, both as an aunt and as a volunteer in programs at her church. She plans to major in health sciences and hopes her time at Biola will better equip her to inspire and teach kids, whether in a coaching or educational setting.

Lizzy Birch will enroll at Biola in Fall 2021. More information on the rest of the student-athletes that will join her at Biola in 2021-22 can be found on the Committed Athletes page.