Personal Statement
I have been swimming competitively since I was 5 years old. Swimming is the only sport I currently participate in, although I was very successful playing soccer and baseball before devoting myself to swimming exclusively. As a 10 year old, I provided significant contributions to our Little League All Star team that won the 10 Year Old Maryland State Little League All Star Tournament. I swim for a YMCA, and have been raised with the Core Values of the YMCA, Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
I do not have a geographic preference for selecting a college. I am more interested in finding a program that fits my academic needs and desires, as well as fit with my swimming style.
My current program emphasizes developing well rounded swimmers based on mastering the Individual Medleys and middle distance strokes. As a result, although my strongest events are the 400 IM and distance free, I can contribute competitively in any stroke at any distance.
I want to swim at a program that has a strong team emphasis. I have learned that the support of your team mates and coaches are vital to ones success. I am a strong team player, and supporter of my teammates.
Being able to train and swim at the level needed to accomplish my goals both academically and athletically will be the two most important components in my choice of schools. I have a strong passion for math and science, and would like to major in a biology or biochemistry related program. I am excited about the opportunities ahead to take my life and my swimming to the next stage in life.
I have learned that nothing comes easy, and hard work is necessary to accomplish my goals. I made and competed in my first YMCA Nationals at 13, and made my first Junior National cut at 15. I have been an All Maryland Swimmer while in high school, and have become a Scholastic All American by US Swimming.
I have had numerous Top 10 Times during my Age Group swimming in both US Swimming, and YMCA swimming. At age 13 I was selected to attend US Swimming Eastern Zone Camp for my IMX performance, and at age 15 I was selected by a national board of YMCA coaches to attend High Altitude Training at the US Olympic Center.
I have been able to achieve these things because I care about the sport and my teammates, I respect my coaches and competitors, I am honest about my training and efforts, and I take responsibility for my actions and swimming.
Although our team does not pick Team Captains, I have often stepped into that role to help ensure communication is kept between swimmers and coaches. As a team, we look after each other, and see that new swimmers are accepted and acclimated to the team.
The last few seasons, I have been selected to be one of the assistant coaches to work with age group swimmers, particularly with our top age group. This experience has made me realize how important my role on the team is, and how much effect the actions of our top swimmers have on the younger swimmers. I strive to be a positive role model.