John Darguzas, Jr. '18 Recruiting Profile

This season I plan on SMASHING the notion that only Swimmers who have been at it since they were five are able to succeed at the highest levels.  My Goals times for this season should have me squarely in the Futures, (and possible even Junior National), times by March.  And while I know that's late for recruiting, how about keeping an eye on my times and watching them drop this season?

I began my swimming career quite late in life...as a freshman in High School.  So you won't see a long history of times and awards as a young swimmer for me.   However, I feel like I have found a sport which has already benefited me greatly in the three years I have been at it! I was fortunate that my High School Swim Coach saw a lot of promise in my natural ability for the sport, awarded me "Rookie of the Year", and I was able to swim at the Regional Level that first year.   The next two years I swam at the 3A State level, making finals, breaking school records and becoming the team Captain.   

My first big meet as a club team swimmer for Smoky Mountain Aquatic Club was at the the University of Tennessee, and that's the day I realized that I could take my passion all the way to the next level.  I have worked hard towards that goal every day since then.  Swimming for Smoky Mountain Aquatic Club has afforded me the rare chance to have top-notch coaching at an individual level, teammates that encourage and push me to be my best, every day at practice and in every meet.  As a leader and Most Valuable Swimmer for our Club I take my responsibility seriously to spread the love of swimming and all that it entails to our younger swimmers.

I am looking for a University and Program that will enable me to not only swim at my highest potential, but also to achieve my academic goals.  I have learned that the hard work needs to be done in the classroom as well as in the pool.  I want to swim for a University that competes at the highest levels, where I can learn from my teammates and coaches, and maybe they can learn from me as well!  I never want to look back at where I've been and think I could have done more, or given more of myself to achieve my goals.