Cameron Shinnick '22 Recruiting Profile

It’s hard for me to imagine not continuing my swimming career in college. I have been surroundedby the sport my entire life and been an avid participant since my first summer league meet at age five. I ‘m the second generation of competitive swimmers in my family as my dad split his college career between NC State and Arizona State and was a four- time NCAA and Olympic Trials qualifier in 1500 free and 200 fly. Having an older half-sister who also swam, I never questioned since childhood that all our family vacations were only planned for mid-August.

Swimming has influenced me in many ways.  I’m very competitive, especially with my twin sister who is also a competitive swimmer and it has helped me channel this competitiveness in positive ways. I hate to lose or be told I can’t do something.  That usually leads to me doubling down until I achieve the goal. I have a great work ethic and never miss practice. High school swimming has taught me about teamwork and the value of supporting your teammates. I love the head to head competition of high school meets and the thrill of the season championship. I was elevated to varsity at the end of my freshman swim season and scored at our championship meet in two events. My high school, Loyola Blakefield, has a strong history of championship swimming.  I also swim for Loyola Blakefield Aquatics, the associated USA team.

Academically, Loyola Blakefield is a Jesuit preparatory school with rigorous academic standards. I intend to take advantage of this preparation for college by taking as many honors and AP courses that I can. This year I’m taking Honors American Literature and AP American History. These are my favorite classes and I am doing very well in them. I made first honors for the first semester of my sophomore year which is for GPA’s over 3.75. Pre-testing for both the PSAT and ACT indicate I’m likely to score highly when I take these tests in my junior year. I have always had a passion for history, and I’d like to pursue a history major in college. I’m looking to find a college program that values the academic endeavors of its swimmers and will offer support for the whole swimmer, not just the athletic part.