Ella Lohr '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello.  My name is Ella Lohr and I am a junior at Baraboo High School in Baraboo, WI.  I began swimming when I was two years old and competing for my summer rec team at the age of five. My parents put me in the pool at a young age to have a fun experience, learn to swim and learn the qualities of being on a team. Ever since I can remember, I have loved to compete and win. I swam on a summer rec team as well as a USA club for 8 years. Although having the fondest memories with my teammates, there was always that drive to get faster and touch the wall first.

One of my clearest memories of swimming was when I was 9 years old. It was the second day of my summer rec conference championship meet, for which I had qualified for finals. Our team had a tent outside where we waited until our event was called. Down the street from the pool, there were puppies for sale.  Having always been drawn to cute little animals, I got swept up and lost track of time watching the puppies run around and bark at me. I stood there thinking of how to ask my parents to get me a dog, when another team parent came running down the hill telling me I missed my event. My heart sank and I sprinted up the hill, thinking I could make the race. I stood there crying next to my mom. Years later, as I looked back on my experience, I realized the love I have for the sport of swimming, and how each opportunity to race was so important to me. Since then, I have taken advantage of every practice, and I use my time in the water to push myself and feel stronger. When I was 12, I decided to commit fully to USA swimming, knowing how much hard work and time it would take in order to reach my goals of competing at a higher level. I became passionate about continuing to swim in college.

A challenge I endured and overcame was after my freshman high school swim season. I struggled with my motivation and physical well-being. I wasn’t swimming best times, nor did I feel good in the pool at practice. My coach and mentors continued to encourage and push me farther than I thought I could, knowing I would get past this point in life and come out a stronger person. I worked on myself and always showed up, giving the most I could. I eventually became a more resilient and happier individual, and I found myself at the pool and in the gym, regularly, in order to feel good. Facing adversity has taught me to not give up on myself, to push myself and to fight for what I’m passionate about.

I grew up working at my family business. I started at a young age, selling programs to customers, then moved my way to working in the concessions stands, and this past summer I sold tickets to 13 different area attractions.  Over the years I have interacted with thousands of people and have learned important skills. I welcomed the additional responsibility in a busy atmosphere and I developed great leadership and communication skills. I have had years of practicing customer service, prioritizing tasks, doing quick math in my head, conducting inventory and handling cash and credit card transactions. I believe my work ethic has grown enormously, and my ability to flourish in various areas has continued to improve.

I am looking for a strong athletic program whose goal is to prosper and thrive in multiple ways, and also an academically challenging school. I believe that academics play a very important role throughout my college experience, and I am determined to find that right fit for me. I have always been a diligent person, both in school and out. I have a strong character and work ethic and will give one hundred percent when it comes to achieving my goals.