James Mumma '21 Recruiting Profile

Since I was 8 years old swimming has taught me several lessons that will be with me forever, but two stand out the most. The first lesson is about the importance of teamwork.  Working and swimming with a team has helped me understand people better and work well with others to achieve a similar goal.  Though I swim as an individual, it’s the team that makes me stronger.  The second lesson is about the value of working hard. While I am not as naturally gifted as some, I pride myself in outworking my peers.  For example, in the spring of 2019 my ambition drove me to switch to a more demanding and vigorous swim club team, so joined Wahoos of NJ.  This required me to work harder than ever before.  Personally, the toughest part of swimming for me is the mental aspect. Getting into “the zone” and being mentally ready has been a learning process, but I have been able to develop in this area with the help of my parents, swim mates, and coaches – my team.

Outside of swimming, I am involved in clubs, community service, and activities. Since freshman year of high school, I have been a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served as a “service liaison” between my high school and Mercy Care H.S. in Malawi, Africa.  In addition, I have been a member of the varsity swim team while also completing 100+ hours of community service, earning the Presidential Community Service Award.  This summer (of 2019), I served as an intern for my local Congressman, Andy Kim of NJ-03 and learned a great deal about how hard work and teamwork play an important role in local communities and government.

In order to meet my goals, I have been doing several things to improve in school and in the pool.  During the summer I swim for Wahoos and a local swim club (for fun), putting in around 45 miles a week.  When school is in session, I either attend morning swim practice or hit the gym with my Dad.  Both require me to wake up at 4:30am and allow me to work out before school so I can attend afternoon swim practice.  My Mom helps me keep a clean diet.  Altogether the results are good so far as I have been gaining muscle weight and dropping time in the pool. Throughout the summer and school year I work hard in school, attend SAT/ACT classes after school, and see tutors on my own time to improve my scores and academic status. My hard-working attitude is demonstrated in all that I do!

My goals include finishing high school with a 3.5+ GPA and continuing my swim career in college, where I strive to major in law, business, or some form of hospitality.  My aspirations also include serving this great country in the armed forces during or after college.