Charlie Zollinger '24 Recruiting Profile

In 2014 my Mom took a job in North Carolina, and my family moved all the way from San Diego CA to Waxhaw NC. I was 8, left all my friends behind and had never swam before. I was a gymnast so when we moved I joined the local gym but also decided that I wanted to learn the strokes of swimming, its hot in NC! So I took a private lesson at my swim club. When I met the Coach, he trained me for a few lessons and asked if I wanted to try out for the swim team. He said my strength from being a gymnast would easily transfer into the pool and swimming, if I could only learn to turn my feet out the other way. It was the beginning of my love for swim and finding a team that I felt a part of…

As I continue to grow both physically and mentally through my high school years, I am preparing myself for my college swim and higher academic years. Being a swimmer means more to me than just practicing with my team every day and racing. It means staying fit, it means feeling my muscles ache, it means training until I feel like I am going to drown, but it also means comradery and friendship. It means respect and digging deep inside to find out who you are. I know its teaching more than just physical patience, its teaching me about life and how hard it can be.

I am an authentic person, driven and very determined. I am an extrovert and love to be creative. I like to see other people succeed and I love being on a team with other strong athletes! I listen to my Coaches and I learn from them - I have a ton of respect for what they do.

My capabilities are not only in the pool, I am an excellent student as well. Academically I maintain a straight A, honors/AP driven schedule. I am looking to continue to get a quality education, it means just as much to me as swimming does.

I volunteer for my community in giving back, and have been in Beta Club which is a club where you collect hours of volunteering, and I also did Links club in 8^th grade which is a club where you spend your free time at school hanging out with kids that have disabilities. My heart is in helping others and being there for them, I always want to help, and I think I want to be a pediatrician. I am naturally drawn to children and have patience to listen to them. I have been a Nanny for 3 summers in a row, and LOVE it!

I have the athletic and academic tools to impact a worthy college. I have the drive to continue to compete at a collegiate level and can't wait to see what is next for my future!