Sutton Cheves '24 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming in summer league when I was 4 years old. We didn’t have a pre-swim team at that time, so my mom just put me in the water with the older kids to more or less sink or swim. I met my oldest and best friends on the deck of that pool, and swimming became family to me. 

Up until mid-school, I played tennis and baseball along with swimming. Swimming was my favorite, and I joined club swimming when I was 14 to train year around. Starting club swimming later has had its pros and cons. I have had to work harder and be more diligent to keep up with my peers who have been swimming club longer. I have had to trust the process, be receptive and coachable, because the results came very slowly at first. I have had big disappointments and have chosen to take control rather than give in. So, unlike some of my friends who have competed year around for most of their lives, I am far from burnout. I am incredibly motivated, and I see my journey as far from over. 

This past season I qualified for and competed at the New Mexico High School State Championships in the 100 back and the 400 free relay. Three weeks later in the club state meet, I PR’d all six events that I swam, coming within striking distance of senior zones cuts. My goal for the coming long course season is to make 3 qualifying times for senior zones – I’m aiming for 50 free, 100 back, and 200 IM. Also, I was recently named captain of my high school swim team for the 2023-2024 season. 

My favorite subject in school is history. I attend an academically rigorous high school, and my grades come first. My swim practice schedule is very demanding, so I have to use my time efficiently. The discipline required in swimming has actually helped me academically, and vice versa. Outside of school and swimming, I attend church regularly, work as a lifeguard, and help coach little kids in summer swimming. I love playing video games with my friends, and I’ve just committed to host a regular podcast for my school newspaper. 

My dedication to swimming and my team is absolute. Swimming has provided me with a solid foundation and given me the structure that I need to navigate my life, whether it be social, school, or competition. Continuing this path in this sport that is so close to my heart is definitely the right next step for me.