Julian Kim '22 Recruiting Profile

Qualifying for eastern zones at the age of twelve was the beginning of a new chapter in my swimming career. After that experience, for a year I would train to be the best student-athlete I could be. However, the journey to achieve my goal was interrupted by knee pains caused by a growth spurt that would go on for years. As my knee pain progressively got worse, it limited my performance in practices and meets leaving me discouraged and disappointed. Although I was disheartened, I eventually realized that I had to manage and take care of this obstacle in order to continue to progress in my swimming journey. With this new mindset, I approached practices and meets with a new frame of mind, resuming my progression in swimming. As I overcame these barriers I learned the value of commitment, sacrifice, and to trust the process toward my goal. 

During the 2019-2020 short-course season, I progressed enough to almost reach the YMCA National level. However, due to the unfortunate events of Covid-19, YMCA swimming in New Jersey was stopped. There were no more practices from mid-March through the end of June which put a pause on my momentum of progression. Though I couldn’t get in the water, with the support of my team, my team and I didn’t stop training. I trained with a mixture of weights and cardio looking forward to competing once again. Toward the end of June, my team and I were able to resume practices. Though I was not as fast as I left off, it never discouraged me. Instead, it motivated me to dedicate myself to swimming more than ever before. 

I want to attend a college that will provide me with the resources and care that will help me improve academically and athletically. With my many years of experience that I have from swimming and other sports, I believe that I can contribute skills of leadership, character, and work ethic to make an impact on a college team.