Nicole Whittern '18 Recruiting Profile

As a multi-sport athlete I've learned a lot over the course of my athletic career, and I know that there is far more to learn. I am exceedingly glad that I am given the opportunity to compete at the high school level, and I am hopeful that I am given the opportunity to continuing the learning journey out on the track at the college level, as well as in the classroom. I started my athletic journey with the heart and fierce drive to become a wrestler, dedicating hours to getting better and developing as an athlete. When I was strictly a wrestler, I had the goal of becoming a state champion. I worked extremely hard to achieve the goals I had set out. The summer after my freshmen year I attended the JROB Wrestling camp in Ashland, Oregon; with 200+ boys attending, I stood alone as the only girl that year. JROB is known for being a difficult camp. I spent 2 weeks working out roughly 6 hours a day. Growing a strong mentality was vital to attending the camp. With being constantly worked and not being accepted by some, pushing through was the everyday goal. This camp was all about giving your all with everything you did, no matter how much you had. I learned to become a better wrestler as well as learn about how hard I can push myself, how to achieve goals I set for myself, and how to have a strong and persistent mindset; I didn’t just learn about wrestling at the camp. I learned multiple life lessons and skills when attending camp. I love to better myself and push myself to new heights, no matter the obstacles.  

My 7th grade year was the first year I turned out for track. The throws coach had been a state champion in high school which really drew me in due to the fact that he had some sort of state title. With that in mind, over the next few years, when spending more time developing as a track athlete, I was eager to grow as a javelin athlete. I've since shifted the heart and dedication to the sport of track and spend most of my time bettering myself out on the field. My freshman year of track I wasn't entirely serious about what I was getting into, at Bi-Districts I managed a throw of 107'4", qualifying me for state. I threw well enough to place 8th that year. It definitely opened my eyes to focusing in over the next season, in which I did. My sophomore year I focused in on throwing javelin, in response to the new attitude I took toward javelin, my personal best increased by about 12.5' putting my PR at 119'9". I learned that your attitude and mindset play a large role in your success. I personally possess a positive attitude, optimistic mindset, and willing drive; I will be influential to my future team and teammates. Since switching my focus I've transferred my dedication to the event. After not competing to the standard that I would've liked at state this past year, I've desired to grow myself as a thrower. There's nothing worse than coming up short of what you expected for yourself, this struck something within me, and triggered me to never want to feel that way again.  I've battled to grow everyday since my sophomore season. This past summer I sought out help from a world class javelin thrower, Ken Johnson, working on technique and weight lifting to improve for the next season. Spending hours working out, running through technique, and throwing.  

My interest in academic learning is targeted toward sports medicine/physiology. I'm very intrigued by the knowledge of how the body functions and all the intricate pieces of it all. I hope to find a college where I can pursue my interest in sports medicine, as well as excel as an athlete. Being a student athlete can be busy at times, but it's all about how you manage your time. I am a student before I am an athlete and coaches will preach this to the team. Coming in before school to get help, doing homework on buses, concentrating on my work, all so its never a problem where coming in after school interrupts practice, all integrated into the teenage life. I've developed my knowledge of goal achieving and drive to better myself as an athlete, which has benefited me in the classroom. I have an equal passion to learn in the classroom as much as I do on the field; you can always further your knowledge. In the classroom, I always make sure to enroll in classes that I know will expand my knowledge. A great way to further your knowledge is taking part in classes that will challenge and push you as a student. AP or advance courses can provide a challenge in academics for me as a student desiring to grow my knowledge. This year as a junior, to strengthen myself as a student, I've selected the highest academic level for all my core classes. My current schedule consist of a mixture of AP and Advanced classes for college credit, bringing a college work load with it. As a busy hard working high school student athlete, I've learned how to manage my time, and not let my sports and academics effect each other.