Ben Fortuin '15 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming in summer league when I was 5.  I also trained in gymnastics until I was 12.  I then swam on a winter recreation team that emphasized stroke development.  That team helped me achieve a good foundation in stroke mechanics.  I swam on a small club team through middle school and joined Denver Swim Academy (DSA) as a freshman.  DSA and my high school team, Regis Jesuit, have given me experience in high-level competitive swimming.

In my freshman year I enjoyed success academically and in swimming.  For my high school team I earned points in the league championships and was voted Iron Man (hardest worker) of my lane.

In my sophomore year I experienced how much my attitude affected my performance.  At the end of the year I began working with a Mental Toughness Coach and, in the summer, a personal trainer.  I am seeing the results of that work in my junior year, both in my swimming and academically.

While swimming is my primary extra curricular activity, I also play four instruments and enjoy horseback riding.  In the summer between my junior and senior years I plan to volunteer for a horse back riding program for the handicapped.

I was a counselor at day camp and had a lawn mowing/pet-sitting business in middle school.  When I was 15 I became a lifeguard at my neighborhood pool.  In the summer of 2013 I held two jobs as a lifeguard; at our neighborhood pool and at a recreation center.  While working more than 40 hours per week, I maintained high attendance at swim practice.  I continue to work at the recreation center through the school year.

All these experiences have taught me responsibility, how to work hard, and to prioritize.  These are qualities I will bring to a college team.

I believe I am just starting to tap into my potential as a swimmer.  I am looking forward to an opportunity to continue to grow and improve as a swimmer, a student, and a person.