Madison Gupton '19 Recruiting Profile

Swimming is a commitment. It is a personal one as well as one to my team. It is my commitment to get up every day at 4:15 in the morning and hit the pool while most of my peers are still in bed or forgoing a special peer event to get my rest for an early morning meet. I don’t shy away from challenges and hard work. I set goals for myself and attain them by keeping my eye on the prize. Anything less is unacceptable to me. Even though swimming is an individual sport, it is with great pride and loyalty that I support my teammates in their goals as well.

 Swimming develops character. Not from the winning but from the countless hours I spend in “doing it again,” lifting weights and taking stroke lessons. It is developing the knowledge and appreciation of sacrifice that my parents have made to help me reach my goals. As I grow toward adulthood I am learning how to persevere and keep balanced with the trials and tribulations of a swimmers career.  My shadow is my younger sister, she looks to me for encouragement and strength as she develops as a young swimmer.

I have been blessed to swim with some exceptionally gifted swimmers. It has been difficult not to become envious of these talents but to support their successes and improve my own talents in order to provide my needed contributions to the team. A team is only as strong as the sum of its parts.  A car does not function without every part without working. Everything is connected to a common goal. Not everyone is the shiny horn.

I am ready to look toward college. I am athletic, an excellent student and ready to be a part of a college with a winning tradition. I am sure it will not be easy but the ride will be what will make me the strong adult woman I wish to become.