Diego Valdes '25 Recruiting Profile

11 years ago, my parents signed me up for swimming lessons to make sure that if I ever found myself in a pool, I wouldn’t drown. There was never any intention or reason for me to start competitive swimming, but after one of the instructors told my parents I had a kick better than all the other kids there, I joined my first swim team. Who would’ve thought that this kid who at first was too scared to even touch water would go on and start his journey for college recruitment in swimming, because I would have most certainly not believed you.

A moment I still remember to this day was 6-year-old me swimming the 100 IM at a meet. Every other kid I was racing against was 2 or more years older than me, and if we’re being honest most of the parents in the stands and coaches on the sideline were probably preparing themselves to see the lifeguard jump in and rescue me after the first 25 of butterfly. Yet even with all these odds against me, I persisted and finished the race, and even though I could barely get out of the pool afterward, I felt as if I had just won the Olympics. And what at first felt like a glorious moment quickly turned into a moment of defeat; I had been DQ’ed. You’d think the officials would have some sense of pity with how small I was compared to everyone else, nevertheless what I still believe should have been a gold medal on lock for the 6 and under category turned into thin air. Obviously, I was not very happy with the result, but instead of sitting there crying and throwing a tantrum as to why it was unfair, I accepted the fact I messed up, and yes, I did shed a few tears, but I knew I had to keep on practicing. This is a trait I’ve slowly developed from that day forward, and I believe it has carried me throughout my whole swimming career, as well as playing a big role in helping me become who I am today. 

Since then, it has been a rollercoaster of emotions and learning to get to where I am today. At 10 years old I became state champion, but soon after at 12 I had to deal with the fact that others were growing up earlier than me and becoming both stronger and faster.  At 13 I almost burnt out from swimming as a whole and switched to basketball, but at 14 I came back stronger to place at States. When I joined the High School team and the senior group at Club, I gained a new love for the sport thanks to my teammates, coaches, and the swimming itself. I understood that this is not an individual sport, but that being part of a team where you can learn from others as well as help and support them brings you joy and confidence, ultimately making you a better swimmer.

All these experiences have made me the person and swimmer I am today, and I want to continue on this road through my college years and find a place where I can keep learning, contributing, making friends as well as creating new experiences and achievements.