Benjamin Lockwood '18 Recruiting Profile

My name is Benjamin Lockwood.  I am 17 years old and have been swimming competitively since I was five.  I am currently a junior at Smithfield High School, where I am a captain for the high school varsity swim team.  I started swimming for the high school team in 8th grade. 

When I was 12 years old my family moved across the state of Virginia from Roanoke, VA to Smithfield, VA.  When we moved I went from a USA swim team that practiced everyday to a YMCA swim team practicing only 2 days a week.  The YMCA provided a great place to continue swimming as well as a place to volunteer.  I started volunteering as an assistant swim coach when I was in 8th grade.  It was this same year that a USA team, the Endorfins, started up with morning practice sessions in Smithfield.  Recently the team changed names to the DIG swim team with additional practices in neighboring towns, but continued to host practices in Smithfield as well.  I really enjoy swimming in the mornings with the DIG team for extra practice. 

I now work as a lifeguard, group swim lessons instructor, private lessons instructor, and assistant coach for the Smithfield Luter Family YMCA.  I really enjoy spending time at the YMCA and helping people learn how to swim. 

In addition to my involvement in swimming and the YMCA, I have been in Boy Scouts since first grade.  I recently received the rank of Eagle Scout.   Scouting has taught me a lot about commitment, leadership and maturity.