Devon Gardner '23 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Devon Gardner. I've been a competitive swimmer all my life, swimming competitively for several club and high school teams. I'm currently swimming for the Eagle Varsity High School Swim Team in Idaho. Having swum competitively for over 10 years, I aim to advance further as a competitive athlete and succeed in my college endeavors. My strong passion for swimming began at a very young age and I’ve been pushing myself to excel as a swimmer ever since. I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself athletically and seeing improvement and growth through my time.  In the classroom, I’ve excelled through several honors and dual credit classes holding a strong 3.7 GPA with a strong interest in health science subjects such as anatomy and physiology, health professions, and health education. My interest in healthcare and physical therapy began my freshman year when I had the opportunity to invent and create a product that improves blood circulation for those who are no longer able to walk. As a result, my team was awarded the Regional Mesa Club champions for our innovative idea and design. This experience inspired me to further my understanding of physical conditions and disabilities and gave me a desire to pursue a profession in Healthcare.

My freshman year came with some additional challenges as just prior to the pandemic,  I experienced a tragic drowning accident of a teammate on my swim team. Although I found it difficult to continue the sport, I made it my personal goal and motivation to honor her memory and never give up on my passion for swimming.  As soon as I could return to the pool following the pandemic, I joined my high school swim team in Eagle ID and continued swimming with the Boise Y club team to enhance my skills. Currently, I am not only a thriving swimmer, but I am a swim coach and swim instructor at our local YMCA. This work experience has not only inspired me to share my passion for swimming with others but has enabled me to use my experience and skills to help swimmers successfully achieve their goals and excel as I also continue to strive toward acheiving my own.  I’m constantly applying new concepts and techniques to both my own athletic abilities and that of my swimmers. I fully intend to continue excelling as a competitive athlete beyond high school and use my passion for swimming to help those with disabilities through hydrotherapy as a Physical Therapist.

I am an only child, with parents, that have both successfully, graduated with degrees in Business Management. Their work ethic and emphasis on higher education have been a driving force in my life as I pursue my goals in healthcare.  My father, a decorated, Veteran Marine, has often reinforced the importance of hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline in every aspect of my life. Because of their strong influence and support in pursuing my goals and dreams, I am determined to surpass all expectations and become the first in my family to compete as a collegiate swimming student-athlete as I pursue my profession and degree in physical therapy.