James Bouda '18 Recruiting Profile

I have been a competitive swimmer since age 5, although I only became a year round swimmer 2 years ago.  From age 5-12, I swam winter season and summer season.  I did not swim at all my 7th or 8th grade year of school because I wanted to explore other sports.  I decided to focus on swimming when I was in the 9th grade.  I start my junior year of high school this week.  Swimming is not very competitive in Montana, so I have travelled outside the state for higher level meets.  I currently swim for the local club team - Kalispell Aquatics Team (KATS).  I like sprints - 50/100s, but I've been working on the 200's this past year.  My weakest stroke 1 year ago was the breastroke.  I have worked very hard on my technique and speed and recently went a 1:08.76 in a time trial at the USA Futures Meet held at Stanford U. in August 2016.  I know that I can cut more time.  I am looking forward to short course season and I plan to go to Sr. Sectionals in Federal Way WA next March. 

My goal is to swim in college.  I just started teaching swim lessons this summer and enjoy working with young kids.  We have a lot of lakes in the western part of Montana, so water safety is really important.  I am participating in the Running Start program which allows me to take some college courses while being in high school.