Mia Jeltema '25 Recruiting Profile

If you do the work you get rewarded.  There are no short cuts in life.  -Michael Jordan

Since the age of 3, starting with dipping my toe into the water at my first official swim lesson, I unknowingly embarked on a journey to build a foundation of life long skills that will guide me as a leader both socially and emotionally. My parents’ intent was to ensure my safety around water, however my swim development rapidly changed from a safety focus into a love for the sport of swim and sport of competition.

My drive to “touch-the-wall” first began with my neighborhood summer swim team, at age 5. By age 6 I was able to swim all 4 strokes legally and was ready to start my USA Swimming career by signing with an all-year-round, highly competitive club. My early years of swimming were focused on proper and efficient form in all strokes, which continues to be a daily focus at age 14. This approach awarded me with many successes including undefeated 8-year-old season, 10U LCM High Point State Champion, other SCY individual Event State Champion wins throughout the years, and multiple All-Star and LSC Zone Qualifications. My standard yearly individual age-group swim goals included achieving team and league records, winning events at "big-time" championship meets, and qualifying and competing at larger national level meets (e.g. Zones, Futures, Jr Nationals).

Although the majority of swim is an individual sport, I pride myself on being a good teammate. I have been told by coaches that the way I conduct myself at practice, both work ethic and focus, and my interaction with teammates, is of a professional level which has resulted in making my teammates better as well. I am a natural leader by example and a developing leader in my future endeavors outside of the pool.

With my time outside the pool I strive to be well balanced, holding myself to a high academic standard that started at a young age. From kindergarten through middle school I was tested and placed into the district’s Gifted and Talented program. This opportunity has allowed me to work with and learn from other unique and intelligent people. I have developed a strong academic work ethic and a mindset to think creatively with an “outside-the-box” approach. In addition to academics I recently joined a Scouts Troop and have the goal to be in the early group of young females to achieve Eagle ranking.

As I approach my college years, I envision myself at a university that aligns with my academic and swim goals. My goal is to explore a STEM major that will position me well for an advanced engineering or medical degree. At the pool plan to continue my strive for success by being a dynamic swimmer and positive influence on the team. I am excited to have a college level coach to refine my talents and skills to swim more competitively, win dual meets, and prepare for our division championship meets against our rivals. This also includes making the trip with me to Omaha in 2024 for Wave I Trials. Finally, I will continue to bring honor and respect at the university level, knowing that the way I carry myself reflects my team, my coaches, and the school I attend.

See you at the pool!