Caroline Strolic '17 Recruiting Profile

My  College aspirations

I have been in the senior group on my club team since I was 11 years old. I qualified and attended Speedo Western Sectionals at the age of 12 and I am currently working on achieving Junior National cuts in several events. I am looking for a University that will give me a wide range of opportunities in the pool and in the classroom.

Ideally, I am looking for a college town atmosphere with strong academics and where a positive athletic "team first" environment exists.   I strive through commitment and hard work to be an important part of my team, where my goal is to swim on a team that I can contribute, improve, support my teammates and impact the teams scores in Conference and National meets 

I can promise and guarantee that I will be a great addition to any team. Over the years I have been competitively swimming, I have had many opportunities to achieve success in my year round club and currently also as a member of my High School team.  Though fast times are always a great thing to achieve, I love the friendships and bonds that the sport has given me.  It is to me the highest compliment when swimmers I compete against seek me out not just as a competitive rival, but more as a person who they regard as a friend and supporter outside the pool as well.  I bring a lot of character and good humored fun to what I do in and out of the pool. We are all working for the same common goal - which is to be the best we can be.   Respect and team spirit,  while having fun doing it,  is just one way I feel this can be accomplished

I am a student of the sport and a tough competitor.  I soak in any and all instruction I can get from my coaches.  I know that there is always room for improvement, and with the elite coaching and training that I know I can get from a collegiate program, I will be able to excel to my fullest potential.  I was introduced by my parents at an early age to the meaning of hard work and success through a strong work ethic and I believe that has allowed me to be a good motivator for myself as well as my teammates.  

What makes you a good candidate for a collegiate team?

• I consider myself a great team member.  I always cheer teammates on when they succeed and provide support when they don't.  I truly love being part of a team.  This can definitely be accomplished in a sport like swimming with the right attitude towards one's teammates and competitors.
• My commitment to the sport and what it brings to my life.  I am absolutely committed to achieving the goals I set which is to be a successful student and a strong athlete.  I want to represent my college team at the highest levels of NCAA competition, and I am prepared to work as hard as my coaches will allow to achieve this

What makes you different from other recruits?

• I have a good balance in my life between my love of swimming and the full commitment it requires & my academic studies which I take as seriously as I do my swimming
• Making sure I find the time to be a friend to those around me.  Respect for those around me with the understanding that we are all trying to achieve the same goals.  I can be shy at times, but will always be available for a person needing a friend and a teammate

What swimming at the collegiate level has brought to my life.  ? 

• I have been working towards this opportunity to become a collegiate student-athlete since I was 4 or 5 years old.  I believe my strong work ethic and commitment regardless of whether I am a star in the pool or not will never change
• I never stop trying harder or working harder, no matter what each day brings.  I never give up, and I don't get discouraged.  If I fall behind, I learn from it,  and it motivates me to do better the next time.
• No matter what happens to me, I will always love swimming.  My intention is to continue swimming and competing (and possibly coaching) long after college in a Masters Program.