Jacob Haaksma '21 Recruiting Profile

Having grown up with two older sisters who were heavily involved with competitive swimming, it might have seemed natural that I would follow in their footsteps. As a child I had a passion for all sports. At some point in time I competed in soccer, basketball, football, baseball, water polo, and of course swimming. I thrived on the competition, and thoroughly enjoyed learning and developing the skills necessary to be successful in each one. However, by the end of my 8th grade year, I had determined that swimming was my one true passion. 

With this decision made, I began to zero in on the mindset needed to succeed in swimming. Whether in school or in athletics, I have always been driven to set and reach my desired goals.  It was about this time I joined a new club, which was part of YMCA swimming. My immediate goal became to qualify for the YMCA National Championship Meet. My first year and a half with the club was a struggle. I had to fight through illness during the season.  I was eventually diagnosed with influenza A, which kept me from achieving any best times. The following season I was determined to reach my goals, but in the end, I came up just short of national meet time standards. It was difficult to overcome the frustration after working extremely hard.   However,  instead of giving up, I found my self becoming even more determined.  During long course season that year I experienced the thrill of qualifying for the national meet and reaching the goals I had set a year prior. Through this process I learned that even though there are setbacks and struggles in swimming and in life, it is important for me to persevere and never give up. 

As I finish up high school in the next few years,  I plan to apply these principles in both the pool and classroom in order to succeed at the highest level and secure a spot at the college or university of my choosing. I am confident that if I apply these principles I am able to be the best I can be.