Matthew Phillips '17 Recruiting Profile

I am Matthew Phillips, a rising senior at Haverford Senior High School in Havertown, PA.  As a swimming recruit, I would like to give you an idea as to how I would contribute not only to a swim team, but to a college/university community as a whole.  I am, and will be, defined as much more than my individual accomplishments in a pool.

Throughout my life, my family has taught me to “do”.  I was blessed with the opportunity to try and play as many different sports as I chose to do.  Finally, I settled down into swimming (which I have done competitively since the age of 4) as my primary sport.  That said, however, when I was younger, I dove, played baseball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.  I still love lacrosse, but in order to focus on swimming – I have kept my off season sports to cross country and track.  I am currently the Co-Captain of the Boys Cross Country team.  Swimming has been a year round activity for me – as I swim for the Lower Merion Aquatic Club; the high school during winter season; and add in summer swimming/training at my local pool, Karakung. In addition to sports, however, I am involved in a number of activities both in school and out.  Presently, I am a member of the National Honor Society, the National Business Honor Society, Best Buddies; Future Business Leaders of America; Interact; and Build On.  I was recently named a “Red & Gold Team” General to lead the high school through our spirit week and fundraising event(s) program.  Additionally, outside of school, my family has taught me to give back to my community – which I do as a volunteer assistant swim coach for the Delaware County Special Olympics Swim Team.  This requires balance – as I am also, typically, an honor roll student; I work during the summers as a swim instructor and lifeguard; and during the winters, on odd jobs for friends and family.  

I am looking to continue to be an active member of the community of whatever school I go to.  My swim teammates and coaches can expect me to be focused on my academics while at the same time being a very passionate and spirited team supporter.  I will work hard to contribute to team and personal goals.  I have the drive to make myself successful and support those around me to be successful themselves.  I don’t want to be known as “just that swimmer”.  I hope that I will be known as the guy who has contributed not only to his own success but to an entire team, perhaps even school’s success – not only through actions in the pool, but also my actions on the deck, and in the wider community.  I intend to stay involved in community and social activities.  I will most assuredly focus on my academics. I want to emerge and grow as the leader I truly hope to be in this world and I believe whatever school I choose will be the enabler to allow this to happen.

In short, I have worked hard to accomplish what I have been able to do so far.  I have no intentions of slacking anytime soon.  I am driven to succeed and have fun doing it.  If you have any doubts, just ask for the videos of me starting my freshman year – in the “Banana” suit on deck at our swim meets – the rest of my accomplishments show through in the documentation provided.  My personality, however, is best measured by the great friendships that I enjoy and the joy I get helping others along in life.