Travis Stanitis '22 Recruiting Profile

Throughout my life, I’ve embraced countless situations where they greatly impacted me. Through these experiences, I’ve grown physically and psychologically stronger and continue to perceive conditions more productively. Besides dedicating myself to all that I want to accomplish, my parents and family have always influenced me to obtain my goals. Because of my parents, I strive to achieve every plan that I confront and develop a more robust moral character. Along with the divine support of my parents, there are distinct situations that greatly influenced the way I view life and its inevitable obstacles.

Other than my remarkable family life, I’ve always dedicated myself to the pool. I’ve been swimming competitively for over the past ten years now, and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. I’ve competed at numerous meets, including conference meets, YMCA States, PIAA States, and even Long-Course/Short-Course Nationals. I’ve done exceptionally well at these meets, and I strive to keep proving myself worthy for swimming after high school. Every night I go to practice knowing that every stroke I take counts to a potentially prosperous future in swimming. In my opinion, swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a discipline—one of the most effective disciplines for any student-athlete who endeavors both a successful athletic and academic career.

Additionally, I decided to embrace a more demanding academic schedule throughout high school to strengthen my mentality. Finally, I always put my best foot forward to advance myself as a reputable student no matter the circumstance. These contributions have helped me realize the true potential I conceal and the dedication I convey to accomplish my goals.

Apart from dedicating myself to academics and swimming, this past summer has exponentially sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of myself. After completing the physical tests and the interview for the beach patrol, I knew what awaited me.

The following two months passed by rather quickly, and soon enough, the daunting portion of the job approached. After two weeks of medical training and becoming certified in numerous fields, I was confronted with two of the most grueling weeks of my life. During those two weeks, I ran an immense amount of miles, swam till my limbs were about to fall off, and was both mentally and physically drained. In addition, my left foot sustained two stress fractures and plantar fasciitis in both. However, I realized my true potential during the two weeks. Soon enough, I became the designated swimmer for Delaware State Beach Patrol, and I competed in numerous competitions, including the Mid-Atlantic Regional Lifeguard Championships. Though these were all significant accomplishments to my new perspective, one distinct moment made me recognize my concealed purpose.

Over the past summer, I made numerous rescues and executed a variety of different medicals. However, there’s one rescue I’ll never forget and will always remain extraordinary to my future. It was the beginning of August, and the rip currents were unlike any I’ve seen before. At the tide’s peak at around two o’clock in the afternoon, I heard a distinct cry of distress. In the corner of my eye, I saw a group of children that got caught in a massive rip current, and I went in as fast as I possibly could because I was sure they were close to drowning. When entering the treacherous surf, I felt the absolute 

compelling force of the rip current. Once I had the four of them on the rescue can, I swam out of the rip and back to shore. At that very moment, I witnessed my life flash before my eyes.

It was then when I realized what my purpose was. I intend to continue to help others and serve as the best role model I possibly could. This very instance was one of the most significant turning points in my life that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of myself.