William Peyton '25 Recruiting Profile

When I was ten years old, my Mom took me to a team tryout for the Gastonia Gators swim team. I had tried nearly every sport and every activity to get involved in something outside of school. We were looking for something that would help me develop social skills, make friends, and learn how to be part of a team. To be honest, nothing really caught my eye, I dreaded going to the practices and wasn’t interested in the sports I was playing.

That all changed when I attended the first week of orientation with the Gators.  After the second session, I was eager to go back and swim more. Most likely because I enjoyed the team atmosphere and seemed to have some natural skills. In the last five years, I have become passionate about swimming, I love working hard to beat my best times, and my teammates have become my second family.

Swimming isn’t my entire life, of course. I enjoy school and maintain straight-A’s. I work at the local YMCA teaching kids how to swim, coaching the local summer team, and lifeguarding.  I participate in school activities and sports, like the track team. I try to engage with as many people as I can, whether they are in my class, part of a team, or sitting near me in the cafeteria, I try to spread positivity and kindness whenever I can.

At this point in my life, I don’t see my future without swimming in it.  I know it would be a privilege to swim at the university level, and I know I would be a valuable member of the team.  Swimming isn’t always about the fastest times, although that is undoubtedly a part of it, it is also about positively representing the team and college, supporting and encouraging teammates to perform and grow as individuals, leading by example, listening and learning from those around me, and remaining humble throughout the entire process.

I have thought about the type of university that I would like to attend. I have my list just like most of the athletes looking to be recruited. But I realize that sometimes the best opportunities come to you when you keep an open mind about your choices.  I’m considering schools that would help me achieve my long-term goals of working in finance, but I’m open to considering the school and the team that would allow me to contribute not only as a swimmer but as a person.