Matthew Nielsen '14 Recruiting Profile

My name is Matthew Nielsen and I’m a 6’2”, 172lb distance freestyle swimmer for Gulf Coast Swim Team and Bishop Verot High School. As a Senior, I was named captain of the Men's Swimming and Diving Team at BVHS. To date, my biggest accomplishment was the Florida High School Class 1A State Meet when I swam the 500 Yard Freestyle. I continued to train to get into the best shape possible and perfect my stroke to lower my time to 4:29.19. With this time I have qualified for Summer Junior Nationals. I believe this was possible because of my hard work and dedication. My passion in swimming is founded upon the values and life skills I have learned during my 11 year swimming career. I’ve found the pool to be a place I can excel outside of the classroom and where I have learned discipline, time management, and a sense of a purpose larger than myself. I believe I can bring not only my fast times and leadership skills to a university, but I can bring a passion for academics, team oriented attitude, and love for the sport. I would be honored to be able to continue my work as a swimmer on the collegiate level in the years to come.