Karl Stuntzner-Gibson '16 Recruiting Profile

I come from a long line of very hard workers and a strong work ethic is something that has been ingrained in me from the time I was born. I have grown up, as my mother did, in a very economically depressed and geographically isolated community.  Going to college was never a discussion in my house--the questions are, "Where?" and, "How will you get there?".  I have a strong admiration for my family's 'high achiever' orientation toward life, because they show me what kind of doors hard work can open for me.  I pretty much approach everything this way, whether it's school, hobbies, or swimming - my favorite sport. 

My mom always tells me that most people have to work for what they achieve--very few have enough natural talent to carry them to their goals.  I have learned that I don't succeed alone and that many people--coaches, teachers, family, teammates, good friends--are there for me.  In turn, it's important to me to be there for my teammates.  My teammates and coaches will say that I am a quiet kind of leader that puts my head down and does the work.  I have high expectations of myself, in the classroom and in the pool and can be my own worst critic. 

My collegiate goals for swimming are: A) to find a team that will both push and support me; B) to develop strong relationships with my coaches; C) swim the times I know I'm capable of (make "nationals") and contribute to my team's success. 

My academic interest is biomedical engineering.  I've been fascinated by genetics for a long time and I have a lot of ideas about possible research projects.  While not every college offers biomedical engineering, I know there are ways to get there.  I could study biology and chemistry in my undergraduate and pursue engineering at a professional school or through a graduate degree.  Either way, I am very excited for the next phase of my life.