Jimmy Blackstone '22 Recruiting Profile

After qualifying for the State High School Swimming and Diving Championship my freshman year, I had high hopes of medaling in the 100 butterfly. However, during the preliminaries of my first event, the 50 freestyle, I sprained my finger at the finish. Although I was seeded fifth in the 100 fly, my second event, the pain from my finger was so great that I failed to qualify for finals. I was deeply disappointed. Over time, I was able to reflect on this. I realized that I need to make the most of every opportunity (swimming or otherwise) because some things can emerge outside my control that frustrates my plans. I also realized the need to be well-rounded in life. A bad day swimming does not necessarily make a bad day. When my sophomore season arrived, I went to work so I could achieve the goals I missed the previous year. This year I entered the preliminaries seeded third in my 100 butterfly and moved up to second place with a come from finish that even surprised me when I saw the video. What is more, I also broke a 28 year old Chugiak High School record.  Shaking off a setback and continuing to persevere pays off!

Although I look forward to continuing my swimming career at the collegiate level, my primary focus will be academic as I intend to ultimately obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine.  As a homeschool student, my parents have helped me along that course by challenging me academically at home, enrolling me in online classes, and this fall, as a junior, I will begin taking calculus at the University of Alaska Anchorage.  Aside from academics and sports I volunteer at my church regularly:  working with kids ages 2-12, participating in the Leader in Training program, providing audio/visual support, and assisting with music worship.  I am excited to put the training I have had in serving and leading others to work in the collegiate swimming arena.