Oliver Theby '23 Recruiting Profile

I absolutely love swimming. It's not a stretch to say I need it. It is my favorite sport, my favorite way to be competitive, to make friends, to workout, and to stay sane. Since I was 5, I swam recreationally on a summer team. However, from age 5 I also played soccer, in club and then on my high school varsity team. I earned 2 state championships, just like my dad did, in the same high school, and for the same coach. Family tradition was strong. However, last year I made a very difficult decision to drop soccer altogether to pursue swim full time, both in club and high school.  I didn't ever love soccer like I love swim. When I made the decision, I felt a weight lift. Now I want to swim in college because I feel it will draw out the speed and power that I have not had an opportunity to maximize, and it will also keep me balanced, healthy, and happy. Until last spring, I only got to swim only a few months per year due to soccer. Even so, I have done extremely well, putting up great times in my events for a part-time swimmer, regularly beating top club swimmers in my area, even going to IHSAA state as a sophomore and junior (and an alternate as a frosh). Basically, I am only just now tapping into my potential. I believe I can shave a full second off my 50free, and 2 seconds off my 100free. My club coach thinks I can perform well in butterfly also.  Speaking of coaches, my high school swim coach Frances Enzler and her husband Dave are two of my heroes.  They have probably influenced me positively second only to my parents. They demand the best of their swimmers as individuals and as a team, and taught me the power of swimming to change me for the better both in the pool with physical and mental grit, and out of the pool with how I think of myself and treat others.  

I am smart, I listen, and I have a hunger to be better, so I am very coachable. I am also someone who wants to make a difference with my life.  I love the outdoors, hiking, kayaking and skiing, and I am Indiana Junior Master Naturalist. I am driven to use my education and creativity to help the world. I need to be grounded to do that, and swim helps me. This year I am captain of my high school boys' team because I am considered a leader by my coaches and peers. I am measured and calm, a good friend, am happy for my teammates when they PR, and support them when they have a bad swim (or day). Swimming brings out the very best in me, and I'd like to have that be an integral part of my college experience, and beyond, so that I can thrive and help others thrive also. I'd like to keep the spirit of being my best going.