Candela Capdevila, a senior at Hoover High School and captain of the water polo team, is being recognized for her hard work both in the classroom and in the pool after earning acceptance to multiple colleges.

Her acceptances include Bucknell University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (SLO), San Diego State University, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and Syracuse University.

The first acceptance came from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Capdevila found out on Thanksgiving while riding in the car on the way to Mammoth.

“I opened an email and saw that I got accepted,” she said, describing the moment as especially memorable.

Now, Capdevila is deciding between three top choices: Cal Poly SLO, San Diego State, and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. She is currently leaning toward Cal Poly.

At both Cal Poly and Madrid, she plans to study industrial engineering, while at San Diego State she would pursue international business.

Capdevila is drawn to Cal Poly’s strong engineering program and its hands-on “learn by doing” approach, which matches her learning style. She also appreciates the opportunity to continue playing water polo, along with the campus’s proximity to the beach, access to a ceramics studio, and the wide range of academic support resources.

She credits her success to the people who supported her along the way.

“I couldn’t have done it without my parents, who always believed in me and pushed me to do my best, even when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said.

Capdevila also expressed gratitude for her teachers’ guidance and encouragement, as well as her nana’s unconditional love.

Looking ahead, Capdevila is excited about her future and the new opportunities that await.