- 2019 Highlights
Personal Statement
Dear Viewing Coaches,
My goal is to be offered the opportunity to swim at the collegiate level. I desire to be the student athlete that goes above and beyond any coach's expectations. I value academics and teamwork. It would be an honor to be an NCAA athlete. Here's a snap shot of my life-past, present, and future.
At the age of six, I began swimming for my local neighborhood summer league team. At first, I was tagging along with my older sister and enjoying being with friends. But, as my hard work and effort began to pay off with improvement and meet victories, my love for swimming grew. As my dedication intensified so did improvement. I began setting both city and team records as well as earning several prestigious swimming awards by being a City Champion in 100 breast. When I was about ten years old, I joined my first year round swim team. I started setting goals and achieving those goals. I qualified for Sectionals in my first year of swimming with my year round team, and finished 10th at Sectionals in 50 breast. Every year since, I have qualified for both State and Sectional Championships. Through the years, the end results varied, but I improved and reached my goals most of the time. In 2016 at USA/SC Swimming State Championships, I placed 1st in 200y free, 100y breast, 200y breast, and the 200y Medley Relay. I also set numerous team records on the local USA/SC Swim year round teams, some of which are still standing. Early on, I started imagining myself swimming for my high school team and hopefully one day swimming in college. I started bringing my dreams to life by wearing college swim caps. My sister was a successful swimmer for our high school swim team and she inspired me. My high school swim career began in the 5th grade, when I made the team, but I was not allowed to compete until the following year at Varsity level. This was a year comprised of patience and learning all I could from the 6 peat State Championship Swim Team with whom I could only practice. Since the beginning of my High School Swim journey, I have earned several top 3 finishes. I've also been selected twice to the All-State High School Swim Team. In 2015, I was awarded Most Improved. In 2017, I was awarded Most Valuable Team Player. This was both inspiring and humbling. The recognition fueled my drive and aspirations but also kept me grounded. In the 2018 season, I was selected to be Team Captain. I think that being chosen to be team captain gave me the opportunity to lead and learn like I never had before. It enabled me to set an example to my teammates both younger and older and to be a positive role model. I also received MVP in 2018. Academics are extremely important to me. I am enrolled in the Honors Curriculum at a private church school, where I have been attending since Kindergarten. I am a proud member of the National Honors Society. Service work and giving back to my school and community is important to me and a vital part of my life. For many years, I have participated in organized service work with my church youth group. I also tutor other students at my school, including assisting foreign exchange students. I participate in community service to less fortunate students who are struggling in high-risk schools within our city. I also serve the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in various ways; the National Walk to End Alzheimer's Event and their National Longest Day Event. Recently, in conjunction with The Lowcountry Food Bank, I organized a relief drive at our Invitational Swim Meet to benefit the victims of Hurricane Florence. We collected over 220 pounds of food and baby supplies! It is very rewarding to help others in need. In April of 2019, I raised over $1,000 for the Alzheimer's Association through raising awareness by running in the annual Cooper River Bridge 10k run.
What might set me apart from other recruits? My appreciation for opportunities. My sportsmanship qualities. My teamwork abilities. My motivation and will to succeed. My work ethic and I'm goal-oriented. My respect for others. My patriotism. My character and integrity. While other recruits may also possess some of these traits, I can only speak for myself. I know, without doubt, that I would be a valuable asset to any team. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
V. Burk Arredondo
Class of 2021
