- 2018 Highlights
Personal Statement
Recent Highlights:
- 7-time Southeastern Swimming LSC Top 16 Finalist (100 free, 500 free, 400 IM)
- 2018 NCSA Junior Nationals Qualifier
- 2017 NCSA Junior Nationals Qualifier
- 2016 2A High School State Champion/AA-C (anchor, 200 medley relay)
- 14-time 2A High School State Qualifier
- 12-time 2A High School State Finalist
- 4-time All-County Team Selection
- 4-time Varsity Athletic Letterman
- 4-time Athletic-Academic Excellence Team Selection
- Set 9 High School Records + 2 County Records
- Maintained Above a 4.0 GPA (currently 4.4)
- National Honor Society
- BETA Club
- Accumulated 100+ Community Service Hours
Coach’s Statement:
“Determined… consistently pushes to improve and develop… his determination encourages others to push themselves… a true leader who leads by example… polite and respectful… possesses quiet confidence and the inner strength to do anything and do it well… the best is yet to come.”
– Brian Haddad, Head Coach, Panama City Swim Team (on Nico Gobel)
Personal Statement:
Focused. Quiet. Determined... This is me in the pool and in the classroom. I strive to pursue excellence in my academics and athletics, while also making a positive difference in my community. One of my favorite quotes is: “Strength does not come from physical capacity; it comes from an indomitable will” (Gandhi). I believe an unwavering will to achieve life goals can drive you to reach any level of success. Being born to Cuban parents who, together with my grandparents, had to work very hard to create their own successes in the United States, I witnessed the value of hard work and commitment at a very young age. I wholeheartedly believe that my upbringing instilled in me a never give up mindset that fuels my determination. I know that nothing worth having ever comes easy, and I thrive on challenges.
Some view swimming as an individual sport, but the team dynamic is everything to me. Whether motivating teammates or scoring points, making an impact on my team is what drives me. As a freshman, I earned a spot on the coveted "A" relays, I was the only freshman selected for the All-County Swim Team, and I qualified for the state championship in two relays. I consistently anchored the 200 medley relay since freshman year, and the 400 freestyle relay since sophomore year. While both relays established high school and county records, our medley relay was the one that in 2016 broke a Bay County record previously set by four swimmers excelling in college swimming today, and we won the 2016 FHSAA 2A STATE TITLE earning ALL-AMERICAN consideration. As a team, our boys finished 2nd at state. Though individually I earned district, county, and regional champion titles, qualified and was a finalist at the state championships, the pride I felt standing with my teammates on the podium to receive our first place relay medal was the best feeling in the world.
Academically, I am in the Collegiate Studies program of my high school, so my core courses are AP, Dual-Enrolled, or Honors level. Despite a demanding club team training and meet schedule, I have consistently maintained above a 4.0 GPA and am a member of the National Honor Society and BETA Club. Grades and sports aside, I think it’s important to have compassion and take personal responsibility to help those around us and make an impact on the communities we live in. I volunteer my time with organizations and causes I feel strongly about. Rather than support countless causes, I am deliberate about the challenges I take on because time is limited. I volunteer regularly at church, I have cooked meals for the hungry, collected warm clothing to help needy youth in the wintertime, and I have helped run charitable events that benefit women in need and cancer victims.
Looking ahead to college, I have specific goals I want to achieve in swimming and academically. I want to major in Psychology and minor in Biology, working towards a Master’s/PhD in Clinical Psychology or continuing on to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am determined to make an immediate impact on my college swim team, scoring well at conference championships and qualifying for national championships beginning my freshman year. I enjoy working hard, and look forward to experiencing all that college swimming has to offer with likeminded, motivated teammates. I like to have fun, but I am there to do a job, and I intend to put in the work necessary to get to the next level. Whether in academics or athletics, I am up for any challenge. Thank you for your time.
