Bob Bonanno '15 Recruiting Profile

Hi, I'm Bob Bonanno. I've been swimming since I was 7 years old on a summer team called the Maple Hill Marlins. Ever since then I have had my mind set on swimming. In the middle of 8th grade I started swimming with a club team called Express. Once I joined Express, I started to swim year-round. Then I went into my high school season with Downers Grove North where I have swum on the varsity team each year of my high school career. During the championship season of my freshman year I placed in the top 5 in both the 50 and 100 freestyle at age group state championships.

In my sophomore year of high school I began swimming with Hornets Age Group Swimming because it was a better fit for me. The next two years I went to the junior nationals meet in Orlando Florida (I swam multiple relay events and time trials), as well as Zone Championships in Minnesota and Iowa along with competing in Illinois Senior Championships for both long course and short course seasons.

Each obstacle which I have faced I have overcome bringing me to higher levels of swimming each year. I have been through many ups and downs with swimming yet my love for the sport is as strong as it was when I started. When I am in the pool I am at my happiest. I feel like my swimming career has taught me the importance of persistence and hard work.

I'm looking for a college program that fits my athletic aspirations of being the best swimmer that I can be, as well as my academic interests in computer sciences, mathematics, or physics. I hope to compete at the national collegiate meet for the 100 free, 50 free and potentially even the 100 back in college. I hope to continue my swimming career through college because I love diving in a pool, racing my heart out and finishing knowing I gave it my all.