Ryan Miller '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ryan Miller. My swimming has not always been too consistent due to some health issues. Due to these issues, I have been unable to practice a full season of swimming. I was even forced to miss my entire Junior Year of practicing and could only participate in meets for a 50 free. However, even though I was not able to practice in the water I persevered in the weight room consistently growing stronger and working with my trainer to come up with ways to mimic swimming outside of the pool. This way I would be able to get back in the water and not be too far behind. When not faced with these issues, my natural talent for swimming allowed me to push myself and drop time in many events even with the little practice I had. Even without practicing my junior year in the water I was able to drop time in my 50 free. This summer, I'm hopeful to begin and maintain a full, regular training regimen with my team.

I always thought that my natural talent would take me everywhere and I would have to try very little. My sophomore year that changed when I lost my spot in a relay to someone who was slower than me. That was a wake up call and I worked hard for the final weeks of short course and dropped time in all events by a significant margin. Then, my health put a halt to everything and I worked myself in the weight room to hopefully stay in shape enough for the time to get back in the pool.

In terms of academics, I am an A student who rarely gets a B. I try taking many difficult classes that I think I will enjoy and will benefit my future. No matter the difficulty though the classes do not stress me out to the point where I am losing a part of my life. I like going with the flow of everything and working at something that I find truly interesting.

My academic goal is to try and become a doctor who is there to help anyone no matter how difficult the situation may be. My goal with swimming is to enjoy it and make long lasting friendships with my teammates, it also would not hurt if I can become a better swimmer than my mom, who was an NCAA Champion at Florida in the early 90s.  Now that my health is on track, and we are back in the water training, I'm confident that will happen quickly.

I like getting feedback on how to improve my races and try to gain as much knowledge as possible and apply what is best for me.  I want to establish a good relationship with my coach so he/she can help me push myself to become a better swimmer and person.  

All in all, I am now more motivated than ever to get back in the pool and push myself to improve my times and finish in the top of the WPIAL AAA championships and hopefully make it to states (PA). On the academic side I am motivated to take my classes this senior year that will help me with my future career plans.