Ann Harden '22 Recruiting Profile

As an athlete, I know I have lots of room to grow and improve. My first season competing was long course, going into my freshman year of high school. As soon as I was released to get my cast off(broken hand), I competed with my brace on because of a new found love for swimming. However, next long course season I got another bout of bad luck. I got a particularly odd case of mono, where I was told to prepare myself for lymphoma or any blood infection type of illness. I consider myself blessed to have gotten away with only a severe case of mono, so I could get back in the water and in the gym and train for the 2019 Oahu Grand Prix. Here I cut time on all 7 of my events, even going my team’s fastest time of 1:18LCM in the 100 fly. The following year COVID-19 hit, and training really has not been the same since. The same goes for racing.  Without spectators and with extra precautions that limit preparation time, racing this year has been an entirely new process for everyone. As much as has happened during my experience of long course, you would think I could kind of get a break during short course, right? My struggle there lies in having to give up club swim for 4 months every year for another love of mine- being on drumline. Although I got a bit of a medical slap to the face my junior year and took a break from marching band, I still continue to play piano to this day.  Though these events have caused setbacks and frustrations with swimming,  understand that they are explanations, not excuses.  When I really put my head down, commit to the pool and gym, get rest and fuel, then my best swimming self comes out. The most recruitable part of me, I think, is the attitude I bring to swim no matter what is going on. I love swimming and my swim family so much, and I would love to continue my career into college if given the opportunity. Thank you for your time.