Zoë Holden '20 Recruiting Profile

   I am Zoë Holden. I have wanted to raise animals since I could walk. I told my parents I wanted to have a farm since I was 2-1/2 years old. My mom introduced me to the FFA at age 7. My parents did not let me participate in raising an animal until I was 14 & entering high school.

But, I WAS introduced to swimming at age 4! lessons/safety etc.

     I joined a summer recreational team at age 5. 

I fell in love with swimming at age 6 when I started showing a proficiency for backstroke! This was when the fun began...

I was on & off relays at a young age, tended to have to struggle & fight for spots. This built my character as a swimmer. 

    At age 11 we moved to another team in this league. I still had to struggle to shine.  But I persevered & fought for relays. My main stroke has always been backstroke. But my freestyle was catching up (especially in relays). 

    Once I started high school I raised my first hog in the FFA, served as secretary on our FFA officer team & swam varsity as a freshman! Coach recognized me as a sprinter & used me efficiently as a relay leg for medley & free relays. 

Thus far my high school experience has taught me stamina & perseverance! I learned this from Coach North (my HS coach).

    2018 was my 12th summer season in recreational league & I was awarded all-star status  in back, free, fly & both relays. (I had been to all-stars before but never for more than 3 events) my hard-work was paying off!

I have always been told I “shine in relays”, so to attain my individual goals has been quite a feat!

    I am quick off the block, whether on the horn or exchange.

    I have overcome many obstacles in 12 summers and 2 HS seasons- sometimes landing fifth & having to fight for a relay, handling friendships when they beat me versus when I beat them. Switching summer teams after 6 years & learning to adapt I feel I’m equipped to handle any adversity. My focus is to better myself & my team. I do not like drama!

    I want to be a vet. I have a passion for saving/helping animals!

I am currently raising my 3rd hog, oversee the other 13 hog raisers at my HS,  serve as treasurer on my FFA officer team, and I am one of the five FFA members in FBISD raising a guide dog puppy through Southeastern Guide Dogs.

I also compete in quiz & livestock judging through AHS FFA, work as a lifeguard & private swim instructor.

I am a dedicated, focused, hardworking teenager.