Jacob Rozen '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Jacob Rozen. I’m a junior at Weston High School in Connecticut and currently swim for Ridgefield Aquatic Club under the guidance of Coach Emmanuel Lanzo. I’m planning on graduating in the class of 2026. I'm a 4-time All-State and multiple Top 16 CT swimmer. As a freshman, I swam the breaststroke leg of the 200 IM relay (27.09) to help win the state championship. Last year as a sophomore, I placed second in the 100 breaststroke (1:01.76) which was key to us winning the state championship again. 

I was consistently shaving time and on a clear path to go sub 1-minute in the 100 breaststroke. However, in December 2023 (right after attending a camp at the Olympic Training Center), my epilepsy medication abruptly stopped working after 10 years. I’ve had focal epilepsy since age 7 and my meds (which are actually performance de-enhancing) kept my nocturnal seizures at bay. 

The last year has been a journey. In order to find a cure that does not rely on medicine, I had 4 MRIs, 6 CTs, 3 EEGs, 1 PET and yes, 2 brain surgeries - the last being September 11, 2024. Today, I’m thankful to now have my epilepsy under control (while also getting off the meds that have been slowing me down). I'm back in the pool and just matched my PRs in my first competition back (Nov 10, 2024). This was just after one month in the pool and two months since my surgery. I’m ready to start shaving time again. This journey has taught me how important swimming is. My goal throughout it all was to get back in the pool and now I am. I truly understand the statement ‘no pain, no gain’ making me dedicated, resilient and tested. Teammates see me as a tough, confident motivator and reliable specialist. 

Academically, I’m a hardworking student and taking multiple honors & AP classes. I’m excited hopefully explore a degree in Political Science.