Jalen McDade '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Jalen McDade and I am seeking to continue my academic and swim career collegiately. I have set goals along with aspirations and ideas of how I would like my academic and swim career to continue. This year I have decided to discard all other extracurricular sports, such as band and cross country, to focus solely on bettering my swim career. One of the best, and sometimes hardest part of the day, is jumping into the pool. Whether the pool heater is broken that day or trying to show off, regardless of the temperature, the pool allows me to forget all worries outside of the water. At the moment, my goal is to focus on building my strength outside of the pool. Beginning this year, I have taken it upon myself to begin lifting to build strength and catch up to those who are currently ahead of me, and bigger in physique and strength. The hard work that I have put this season into the pool, I believe it can be shown through the dramatic improvement in my times. I am excited to swim a meet this year since recently switching from USRPT training to traditional and implementing strength training this year. My discipline inside the classroom can be shown through my academics and translates to my discipline for the sport of swimming. My aspirations are to make it to a top-level program that will push me to further achieve my academic and swim goals of becoming a top-level athlete in my division. My teammates have been there for me through the rough practices and best days. They have allowed me to better myself physically and emotionally, and whenever I put up a best time they're as excited for me as if they put up a best time too. I feel this same way for my fellow teammates because it takes more than just an individual to overcome an obstacle. The bond that makes a team begins with a single athlete reaching out, and I understand the importance of showing up for your team, both in and out of the pool. If I were recruited for your team, I would do everything in my power to make sure that not only am I succeeding but my fellow teammates as well. My coach is someone who I hold close to me, as I will listen to every word and detail to understand the bigger picture that they are aiming for me to see. My determination is shown through me reopening our closed swim team for my high school where I would serve as the team captain. I believe that offering opportunities to students are important for the future of athletes to succeed. I'm determined, driven, and give my all in everything I am associated with. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and to potentially fulfill these goals of mine.