Avery Ryder '23 Recruiting Profile

Hello! My name is Avery Ryder and I have been swimming competitively since I was 7 years old. I also grew up playing soccer, softball and basketball. My favorite thing about each sport  was not only me growing in my skills and pushing myself to be the best I can be, but the bonds I created with my teammates. Whether pitching, shooting a free throw, kicking the winning goal, or finishing the anchor leg of a relay, I knew my team was counting on me to give it my all. I not only strive to be a leader for my team, but also in my community. I love going on mission trips and one of my favorites was going to Africa to help build schools. I enjoy giving back any way I can through volunteer work, whether it’s across the border or across the street at my local church working with disabled youth.

During my 8th grade year, I overcame a challenge with my back which was caused by me growing very quickly. I grew 4 and a half inches in a year and my muscles could not keep up with my bones. It was not easy to get in the water everyday and swim through the pain. Some days the pain looked like not being able to sit in a chair and others it looked like not even being able to put on my shoes. I knew that a temporary back issue could not keep me from my passion for swimming even when some doctors told me I should quit. I knew that I couldn’t give up and it would only make me stronger, not only physically but also mentally. After almost a year, I started to regain my strength and slowly got back up to 100%. Once I overcame this challenge, I knew that there was nothing that was going to stop me. Then Covid hit. Even though all of my opportunities to compete were taken away and all of the pools shut down, I bought a wetsuit to open water swim in a lake. I also did dryland workouts everyday, which included yoga, biking, and lifting weights. My friend had a swim spa so I would go and use it twice a week, whether it rained, hailed, or snowed, nothing stopped me. 92 days later when the pools opened, I was there at 6 am ready to go. 

Covid has taught me to not take any practices for granted and be grateful for the few meets that we do get to have. My determination to win and to hold my teammates accountable to the highest possible standard of training sets me apart as a leader. I can’t wait to continue to grow both in my swimming and my academic career. I can’t imagine my life without pushing myself to be the absolute best whether I’m in the pool or in the classroom. I want to thank you in advance for your consideration and for the opportunity to share my story and accomplishments with you.