Clover Cicoletti '22 Recruiting Profile

My cross country coach, who is a eight-time ironman triathlon finisher, approached me while I was jogging a cool down one day after a particularly hot Central California practice day. He was grinning and pointing his finger toward my head when he said,  "I think I get you...you’re brain is just wired differently.” When my coach told me that, it initially caught me off guard, but after a moment I began reflecting on my performances in meets and in practices and realized that yes, my coach was probably right.  

I seem to have a different work ethic than most of my teammates. This used to feel strange to me because it made me feel different than everyone else, but I’ve come to embrace it as part of what makes me a high achiever. It's not uncommon for me to be the last person in the pool or on the track finishing the cool down. It's not easy for me to cut corners; in fact it might be impossible! I am the epitome of "the kid who reminds the teacher of homework." Sometimes when my coach isn't looking, or forgets part of the workout, my teammates take advantage of it, but there is something inside me that will not allow me to do this. I believe in the power of the process and no matter how challenging a training session can be, I refuse to let myself give into cheating, skipping practice or even a small part of my practice set. I am the type of athlete that will wake up earlier, ask too many questions, run the extra mile (or mile and a half), lift the extra rep, practice an hour longer, and hold myself accountable. Even if no one is “watching” I know that ultimately I am competing against myself. I have won top awards in triathlons, cross country and swim meets as well as visual art, and I think my “wired differently” work ethic combined with my natural athleticism is what makes me succeed. I aspire to compete as a collegiate level athlete and continue to improve and reach deep within myself until I realize my full potential.