Colleen Chlastawa '15 Recruiting Profile

I have been swimming since I was eight years old and have always loved it.  Until I got to high school, swimming was a relaxed summer activity on a city recreation team, and I did it for the joy of doing laps and swimming with my friends at meets.  Freshman year I joined a USA club team and my high school team, and swimming became goal oriented.  Now I keep track of my times and my progress throughout the season and push myself in workouts in order to improve.  I have learned how to set goals, long term and short, and find ways to measure my progress.

Through my coaches and family I have learned how to swim mentally.  I have developed a routine during meets that allows me to think the way i need to in order to perform my best in a race.  In this way I control my nerves and can swim the same under any circumstances.  I recognize the necessity of a positive attitude which I keep strong through any meet.  I am also capable of actively swimming during practice, engaging my mind as well as my body in any set I am given.

Academics is something I take very seriously.  My grades are my top priority and I love to take the most challenging classes I can find.  In addition to school and swimming I play viola and participate in various musical ensembles.  I am a member of the National Honor Society and other school clubs.  I am a leader and I love to teach others whenever I can offer help.

College swimming is important to me because I do not want to lose this huge part of my life when I graduate.  I believe that swimming will be a great way for me to meet new friends and keep my life well balanced while I pursue a major.