Personal Statement
In 2007 at the age of 7, I broke my femur sleigh riding and developed a condition called avascular necrosis of the femural head. This condition precluded my participation in impact activities, but opened the door for me to discover my passion for swimming. After being cleared by all doctors, I have been competitively swimming since seventh grade, and while in the beginning it was a rocky road, I have learned a tremendous amount about the strength of my character and my drive and determination that is uncommon in my peers.
During the 2013-2014 season, I rose from the being ranked number #21 on the girls team to #6 on the girls team and from #31 among the boys and girls to #10 overall. In presenting me with the "Most Improved Female Swimmer" award last year, my high school coach, Matt Ellis said that I am extremely coachable and work harder than anyone else in the pool - male or female - every single day. I improved leaps and bounds in just one year, and personally, I can’t wait to show my coach even greater improvement this year.
I have learned that I’m incredibly resilient and only limited by my own aspirations and goals so I’ve set them high, and I have maintained a consistently positive attitude and displayed a strong work ethic in support of my team, to demonstrate my determination to my coach, and above all, to express my gratitude for the window of opportunity that opened through swimming after most other doors slammed shut.
Because of this, I don’t squander opportunities. I know that swimming in college is a once in a lifetime opportunity that could change my life. My collegiate goal is to succeed in the classroom, and if given the chance, in the pool, too. I hope to find a family in my new team and look forward to supporting, encouraging, and leading in many positive ways.
On campus, I will focus on maintaining my outstanding scholastic GPA and I believe that my participate on the swim team will only serve to strengthen my connection to my collegiate community. I am open to all options and want to ultimately find the right collegiate match at the highest level of competition possible. I hope to become a great role model to all my peers and make my parents proud.
