Boati's upbringing unfolded just a short five-minute drive from the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Throughout her academic journey from kindergarten to twelfth grade, she attended Roedean School for Girls, nestled in the suburb of Parktown within Johannesburg. While she primarily boarded at the school during her high school years, she made the pivotal choice to return home for her senior year due to her burgeoning commitment to water polo, a sport that had increasingly consumed her time.

The path to water polo wasn't initially clear. Despite her involvement in provincial teams and even receiving invitations to train at the national level when she was just 15, her dedication to the sport didn't solidify until her final year of high school.

In the midst of her high school experience, Boati's school, like many others, mandated that all students participate in either a sport or the arts each term. For Boati, this meant engaging in swimming and water polo during the summer months while indulging in her passion for field hockey during the winter season.

Boati's proficiency in swimming stemmed from her early exposure to lessons arranged by her parents. They recognized her natural aptitude in the water and enrolled her in the swim team. However, a young Boati vehemently opposed the idea and resisted her parents' decision to join the team. Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually acquiesced and became a member of the team. It didn't take long, however, for Boati to voice her dissatisfaction with swimming, finding it dull despite her parents' efforts.

The head water polo coach at Boati's high school recognized her aversion to swimming but also noted the solid aquatic skills she had developed. Seeing an opportunity, the coach proposed a new avenue for Boati to remain in the water: water polo. Introduced to the sport at the age of 10, Boati's initial reaction was surprisingly adverse—she simply didn't take to it.

Despite her reservations, Boati persisted, attending several more practices and eventually participating in her first provincial tryouts at just 11 years old, competing alongside 12 and 13-year-olds. To her surprise, she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The thrill of the game changed her perspective entirely, sparking a newfound passion for water polo that she had previously lacked. It was through these early provincial competitions, which her parents had to encourage her to attend, that Boati's love for the sport flourished.

“I was literally crying the whole way there. I did not want to compete initially, but my parents once again made me. They stated, “I was invited, so I needed to go.””

During her final year of high school, Boati found herself a member of the national team. As the team received guidance on preparing for the opportunity to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Boati faced a startling realization: the demands of her academic commitments and national team obligations could be overwhelming. However, before she could fully grapple with this dilemma, the unforeseen impact of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything.

“I think COVID was a blessing in disguise for myself; it really allowed me to be able to focus on school, and then straight after, I could focus on the Olympics,” said Boati when asked about how COVID-19 affected her.

Boati found herself with eight months of downtime as the South African school year concluded in December, while classes in the United States didn't resume until August. Utilizing this period earnestly, she dedicated herself to training. This marked a significant moment for South African women's water polo as it was their inaugural appearance at the Olympics. With the announcement of this historic opportunity, excitement permeated the air, and training camp schedules were promptly disseminated—it was time to spring into action.

Each practice session carried weight as roster spots remained uncertain; no player's position was guaranteed. The tension reached its peak when the South African team roster was unveiled live on television. Boati, surrounded by her family, anxiously awaited to hear if her name would be among those called. When her name was announced, she sat in stunned disbelief while her family erupted in cheers and jubilation around her.

“It did not hit me that I was going to the Olympics until I got on the plane and we were flying there,’’ she said.

Despite the unusual circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, rigorous testing became the norm to ensure the safety of all involved. Amidst this backdrop, no player's position was assured until they boarded the plane for the Olympics.

Stepping into senior water polo for the first time, Boati faced a new challenge. Accustomed to competing with peers of her own age, she felt a mix of nerves and excitement. However, the invaluable experience gained from training with seasoned players bolstered her confidence.

Following the Olympics, Boati's schedule remained hectic. She swiftly transitioned to national trials within two days of her return, then embarked on her freshman year at Bucknell University a mere three days later. The whirlwind continued as she departed for the Under 20 World Championships just a month into her freshman year, marking a frenetic period throughout August and September 2020. Despite the whirlwind pace, Boati gradually settled into a routine, allowing herself moments to appreciate and savor the unique experiences unfolding before her.

“The Olympic Village was so cool. I met other athletes that I had looked up to my whole life. It was really cool to learn where everyone was from and what they were competing in.”

Boati went to the Olympics before the World Champs, which is uncommon. “Playing in Tokyo helped me prepare for the World because I knew what to expect when competing in front of a large audience.”

“The Aquatics athletes really support each other at Worlds. We would go and watch diving, and then they would watch us, etc. It made it really cool to know you always had some support”

Boati embarked on two journeys to the World Championships with the South African National team. In the lead-up to the team selections, rigorous training camps were conducted, during which athletes were expected to maintain their fitness levels through individual workouts or within their respective provinces. A week before departure, all team members convened for an intensive training camp where they trained together in preparation for the upcoming competition.

Initially, Coach McBride initiated contact regarding the possibility of Boati coming to the United States to pursue her studies and athletic career. Upon conducting thorough research on the school and its surrounding area, Boati and her parents came to the realization that Bucknell University stood out as the optimal choice, offering a blend of strong academic programs and athletic opportunities.

“The attention and support that Bucknell gives its student-athletes was something that really attracted me to this school,” Boati said.

“Her water polo IQ is through the roof. When you find someone like that you have to get them. She has been very valuable in that respect,” said McBride.

“I don't think I will ever regret my decision to move to the States,” said Boati when asked about her decision to come to the U.S.”My older brother was a big inspiration for me to study overseas as he traveled overseas to the UK for his education as well”

Coach McBride's coaching philosophy and style can be described as "hard ass." This approach resonated with Boati due to its similarity to the coaching methods she was accustomed to back home, facilitating a smoother transition upon her arrival.

“Boati has been a great leader, is one of the hardest workers, she's a left-handed player, which gives the team a lot of strength on the right side of the pool.. She is one of the few lefties I have coached over my 13 years here. Hard to find a good lefty. She is a solid lefty who takes command of the offense, kinda like the quarterback,” said McBride

“It was tough in the first year. I felt a lot of homesickness, I had never been away from home for more than a month but I powered through.” Her second year she really just wanted to make it through the season.

This year, the team has placed significant emphasis on enhancing team culture and dynamics, dedicating considerable effort to this aspect of their performance. As a result, trust among team members has strengthened, fostering a more cohesive unit. The diligent work invested in these areas is beginning to yield positive outcomes, a testament to the team's collective commitment and resilience.

At Bucknell University, Boati holds the position of junior captain for the women's water polo team, a role she approaches with utmost dedication. Drawing from her previous experiences as a team captain, she values the responsibility of leadership and strives to excel in her role. While initially navigating the balance between being a teammate and a captain posed challenges, Boati found her equilibrium and embraced her leadership role wholeheartedly.

“As a leader, she leads by example. She is a quiet leader, but her work ethic, commitment and loyalty to the team, and team-first attitude are infectious. The women respond well and respect that. She is not a vocal leader but leads by example, which is exactly what we need, “ said Coach McBride when asked about Boatis' leadership.

Despite her petite stature, Boati has thrived in the demanding sport of water polo, where size holds little significance. In this game, all players compete on equal footing, regardless of their physical stature. This level playing field has enabled Boati to cultivate both mental resilience and physical toughness, proving that success in water polo is not determined by size but by skill, determination, and tenacity.

Boati embraces the challenges presented by water polo, recognizing that each day of training contributes to her skill development. Despite the occasional struggles, she remains steadfast, knowing that her hard work will ultimately yield gratifying rewards. The satisfaction derived from her efforts fuels her passion for the sport.

McBride always says, “You guys can do hard things. You do it every day.”

“It's awesome to be able to coach an Olympian like Boati. There is a mentality that they understand what you are saying, and they can retain it quickly, tactically, and technically. She is a great person to have,“ said Coach McBride when asked about what it was like to coach Boati.

Beyond the pool, Boati's achievements extend into academia as a third-year Biology major. Her fascination with biology blossomed during high school, where she developed a keen interest in the intricacies of anatomy and genetics. Since childhood, her aspiration to become a doctor has remained unwavering. Currently, at a crossroads, Boati is considering two paths for her future endeavors: pursuing medical school or opting for postgraduate studies in sports medicine.