Calvin Groenewold '20 Recruiting Profile

Adversity is the fire on which the blade of ambition is forged. I believe the adversity has gone through and my self-discipline is what separates me from the rest of the pack. In my Freshman year of college, I lost out on my conference meet due to covid protocols, lost family members, and a close friend who was a great swimmer. Going through this adversity in my freshman year really allowed me to find my "why" as a swimmer. The reason why I keep getting up in the morning and working as hard as I do. I could easily mope and drown in my own self sob story but instead, I chose to turn hard times into the opportunity to become even more successful.  As a college swimmer, I have a goal to go to NCAA Division 1 championships, qualify for Olympic trials, and ultimately be one of the best swimmers in the nation. I believe if you can see it in your head then you can make it into your reality.  I strongly believe that you are a product of your environment. I want to surround myself with other great athletes and environments to work towards a common goal like NCAA championships and Olympic trials. I believe I am a great candidate for any team because I embrace the mamba mentality of trying to be the best version of myself and helping others to do the same.  I'm not talented but the product of hard work. “There’s no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession. Talent does not exist, we are all human beings. You could be anyone if you put in the time. You will reach the top, and that’s that. I am not talented, I am obsessed.” In the end, all I need is an opportunity and I will succeed.