Gabija Karosas '18 Recruiting Profile

I learned the most from my junior year in high school. Academics went great, and I was staying on top of my work, but my swimming plummeted. What made the year hard, swimming wise, was that everyone I used to race at practice graduated the year before, and when it came to the end of the season, I was sick. Going into state finals for the 100 backstroke, I wasn’t going to let the fact that I was sick get in the way of swimming my hardest. I decided I wouldn’t give up so I gave it my all and came in second. It wasn’t a best time, but I didn’t care because seeing the number 2 next to my lane and name made me realize I wasn’t done, I was still a swimmer who had more to learn and accomplish.

I grew so much that year, from becoming more mature in and out of the classroom, to realizing on a larger scale that I can never give up on myself or my team in anything. Swimming has always big a huge part of my life and I’m not ready to be done with it yet. I’ve been so privileged to have the opportunity to swim with some amazing athletes and they all inspire me to work harder. The friends I make from the pool are my closest, and the rush of adrenaline I get from watching a close race or cheering someone on, along with doing the best I can, drives me to continue my swimming career into college.

I’ve always done my best to never leave anyone out and to always be there for everyone. Anyone who has an issue always comes to me since they know I will help them in any way I can, especially now since I am tri-captain of the swim team. I’ve always stayed on top of my work and I am determined to make college a wonderful experience as a student-athlete. I may seem shy at first but once you get to know me, my enthusiasm for academics and swimming emerge so I know I would be a wonderful addition to your team!