Sydney Tobias '18 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming competitively when I was 8 years old at the Springfield YMCA. I have always enjoyed swimming.  This sport has helped me be more confident in myself, strong and independent,  willing to try new things, and better manage my time.

In middle school, I made the decision to take my swimming to the next level and did additional training on my own.  I also ran cross country and track in middle school. My efforts resulted in several Illinois YMCA state cuts, including the 200 backstroke.  I have continued to improve each year.

During the fall season, I swim for the Springfield Southeast High School (SSHS) Spartans Girls Swimming and Diving Team.  It is a growing program comprised of student athletes varying in experience and skill. We encourage, support and build on each other’s success.  Upon entering into high school, I worked with my coach to incorporate strength training and improved stroke technique into my daily regiment. This training style pushes me to give attention to the detail of my strokes and instills a strong work ethic. This has helped me significantly improve my overall swimming performance and helped me break two team records (100 backstroke 1:01.29 and 200 IM 2:14.46) as a sophomore.  This past year as a junior I have continued to show growth.  I placed 1st in both the 100 free (54. 38) and placed first in the 100 backstroke (59.52), breaking my own school record and a 22 year old Conference record.  I broke the school records as well for the 200 backstroke and 400 IM and was part of the relay teams breaking school records for the 400 Medley Relay and 800 free Relay.  I have learned the value of teamwork, commitment, sacrifice, and leadership.  I am proud to be a member of this growing team and in particular, a team captain my junior year and upcoming senior year.

I now swim for a new USA swim club-Bearsharktopus Aquatics during the rest of the swim season (short course and long course).  My high school coach started this team.  My typical daily training regiment includes daily strength training in the morning and swim practice in the evening.  My focus is improving my performance and times.  I am good at sprints and mid-distance events-particularly in the backstroke but also the freestyle.  I made short course USA Illinois Senior State Championships (100 and 200 back) and Speedo Sectionals (100 and 200 back, and 200 free)  and have qualified for both meets as well in long course.  I look forward to continuing to grow as an individual and an athlete. I like new challenges--I swam a 5K in the Central Zone Open Water Championships for the first time ever this summer.

I would like to pursue a major that focuses on the medical/nursing field.  I am looking for a program that will be a good fit for me academically as well as athletically. I believe I have the talent to compete for a college team and the character, work ethic, and leadership skills to grow and contribute to the success of a college swim team.

 I am pleased to announce that I have been accepted to the University of Illinois at Chicago and have committed to swim there.