Katie Lyons '22 Recruiting Profile

I am a mid-distance breaststroke/IM swimmer based in Hilton Head Island, SC, and have pretty much been swimming all my life.  I learned how to float on my back at 7 months old,  swam in my first summer swim meet at 4 years old, and won my first state title at 6 (ok, in all fairness, I was the only 6 yr. old who swam a clean race.)  

Right around my 10th birthday, I was diagnosed with advanced idiopathic adolescent scoliosis and went under the care of Shriners Hospital for Children - Greenville.   At the time of my diagnosis, I was given a 98% chance of needing major spine surgery.  Until then, I was to wear a prosthetic brace 22 hours a day to hopefully slow down the scoliosis and minimize the extent of my surgery.  It was during the fitting for my first (of four) braces that I decided I was going to do everything I could to avoid surgery, and my doctor and orthotist vowed to fight with me.   As I grew and years passed, brace compliance, daily swim practice, and a positive attitude helped me beat the odds and I was taken off the surgical list. My story of determination became one that Shriners Hospital began to share and I became one of their Ambassadors.  I have traveled the country representing them and have been featured in their marketing and commercials.  Currently,  my back would not even be recognized as scoliosis.  However, I consider my scoliosis as being a 'blessing in disguise' that taught me so many valuable lessons such as: 

* never give up,

*work hard for what you want to achieve even if it seems impossible

*stay positive

*attitude is everything. 

Most importantly, I learned to take something negative I was dealt and instead of having it become my identity,  use it to help shape my character.   

These same lessons I have also applied to swim.  

I have enjoyed club swimming and am looking forward to competing at the collegiate level where there is more of a team focus.  I enjoy working hard and through my IM training,  am constantly working on and improving all four strokes.  I am adaptable to swim many events depending on where my future college team needs me.