Brooke Switzer '19 Recruiting Profile

I am fortunate to live in a community that is home to one of the premiere swim clubs in Canada - the Markham Aquatic Club.  I was drawn to the Club early as they often practiced after my community swim lessons - I vividly remember sitting in the stands with my mom watching a number of the female national age group record holders work out.  I was determined to a part of that team and earned a spot at age 7.

During my time as a competitive swimmer, I’ve learned a lot about myself.  Initially, as one of the youngest swimmers on the team, I didn’t have the technique, strength or endurance of my teammates.  Still, while many others quit, I kept showing up, pushing through the hard workouts and focussing on progress. Eventually, I understood that perseverance was key and that I was developing the mental and physical strength to be a winner.  I started to see measurable success in the pool and soon was competing at the provincial and then national level. I loved winning and competing against ever better competition and that continues to push me today.

I’ve also come to realize how much I enjoy being relied upon.  Very few things excite me as much as anchoring a relay team at a championship meet, knowing that the outcome hangs in the balance.  Touching the wall and hearing the cheering from my teammates, coaches and spectators after a win is a thrill that drives me. Fortunately, I earned the opportunity to anchor our 13/14 year old 4 x 200m freestyle relay team to long- and short-course national records that stand today as well as our mixed 4 x 100m medley relay team to a Canadian National Junior Championships gold medal.