Hannah Thomas '18 Recruiting Profile

I am Hannah Thomas from Melbourne, Australia. I have been swimming at a competitive level for around 6 years and at a National level for 4 years. I swim at Melbourne Vicentre Swimming Club under the Head Coach, Craig Jackson. My coach currently is Brad Harris. 

I attend Caulfield Grammar School (Caulfield Campus) in Melbourne, Australia. Currently I am in Year 12, but our school year finishes in November meaning I would be beginning with the US's class of 2018. Although Australia does not have a GPA ranking system, from what I can convert, I would be at a 3.2. I am always looking to achieve academically and have a hard working ethic. 

At school, I have been taking on the role as House Vice-Captain. I was given this role through my active participation in school life, especially within my House group. Through being House Vice-Captain, I have been given responsibilities involving getting the house involved in house activities, creating a positive vibe throughout the house and encouraging all students to participate in house events and step outside their comfort zones.

I have also been apart of the school’s Swimming and Water Polo teams for the past 4 years. I have been representing the school on the highest level for both of these sports and have earned the highest award for swimming at the school. Upon this, I was elected by my peers as the Girls Swimming Captain. This year, our school team won the APS Premiership where I was the captain!

My club, Melbourne Vicentre is one of the top clubs in Australia. Many olympic athletes have gone through the program here. I have been with this club since I was 8 years old in my first ‘squad’ group. Now, I train 8 times per week plus 3 gym sessions. I have made Nationals for Open Water swimming for the past 4 years, qualifying for the 5 km each year and last year also the 10 km. I do prefer pool swimming, in mainly the 200 and 100 freestyle events.

To also gain more insight into the swimming world, I have become a qualified AUST Swim teacher. I teach young children how to swim. This has benefited me in my swimming as I have been able to think about breaking the stroke down and how the body works through the water.

I have volunteered at an organisation for people with disabilities. Through my personal life, I have been exposed to people with disabilities and doing this was something close to home. This experience opened my eyes to how fortunate I am and how we can all help each other achieve what we wish to. Not only have I volunteered here, but through my school life I have been a part of the school's community service committee where I have been awarded for my services to the community through this committee and outside of it with a "School Emblem For Community Service".

I am looking to study something in the Health Science area in college. I have a passion for helping other people achieve their highest physical and sporting potential. As I am from Australia, I am removed from this system and I would appreciate any email about the program you have.

I am looking to move to the USA for college to improve my swimming, but to also gain a good quality education.