Ashleigh Merrill '21 Recruiting Profile

I might be only a 5’3” swimmer from Oak Harbor, WA, but that doesn't mean you should underestimate me. I will graduate in 2021 with over 10 years of swimming under my belt. I started on North Whidbey Aquatic Club in 2009, and because of community tax issues I moved to Thunderbird Aquatic Club in late 2017. I also have 1 year of high school swimming at Oak Harbor High School that included going to Districts and placing third in finals as a freshman, and 17th at State in the 200 free. In the medley relay, our team placed first in Districts and fourth at State. During my sophomore year of high school I transitioned to Anacortes High School for more rigorous academics. Because of this I was only allowed to compete in the JV level, but for my junior year I was allowed to compete for Varsity again! My junior year had a rocky start. Many swimmers got sick, two had to get stitches, and I somehow got a mild case of pneumonia. But we pushed through it as a team and bonded immensely! At Districts I placed 3rd in the 50 free, and 2nd in the 100 free. My two relays placed 3rd in the medley and 3rd in the 400 free relay. As a team we placed 3rd! We moved onto State with giggles and excitement. Personally I placed 5th in the 50, and 10th in the 100 free. Our relays placed 5th in the 200 medley relay and 7th in the 400 free relay. The biggest surprise was our overall placing. We placed 3rd! Our girls swim team hasn't done that in over 3 years! It was amazing to be a part of it and we had so much fun doing it too. 

Ideally, I would like a smaller school within a big city. I like the idea of being able to walk to my non-school activities. I would love to be challenged in both my swimming and academics. Therefore I am looking for a college that will push me in both. Unlike some of my fellow classmates, I like school. I like having support and being structured so I can thrive. I also love to see my classmates doing well alongside me. I like classes that are challenging, but also fun and uplifting. I love to travel and experience new places so I'm not locked into staying in my home state of Washington. As for a major, I am in love with the idea of becoming a chemist! After walking into my chemistry class on my first day of school at AHS, I fell head over heels in love with chemistry. I would also like to minor in Spanish, so I can travel the word with my chemistry knowledge and possibly help developing countries with food and water crises by using chemistry. Continuing my swimming career in college would open up doors to new friendships, and give me the ability to transition to college life within a supportive community. Ultimately I am looking for a college that will challenge me in the pool, in the classroom, and as a person, where I can grow and continue to improve in all areas, and most importantly contribute to the school and the team.