Diego Cruzado '19 Recruiting Profile

I became interested in swimming at an early age at my summer club because I loved to compete, looked up to my coaches, and found it came naturally to me. My long-term goal is to one day swim professionally for the Peruvian National Team, but until then, I aim to swim for an NCAA team as I pursue a degree in math or science. Through my dedication to swimming, I have learned that I am both focused and unrelentlessly determined. I commit myself and take every challenge head on in the pool and elsewhere, putting forth only my best effort in every set my coach gives me no matter what. It is with that determination I make sure to not only support my teammates during sets but also keep my teammates in check as I call them out as needed. I also know it’s important to keep practices upbeat, making sure the morale in the pool stays high by consistently encouraging my teammates. I’ve learned that my friendliness and ability to joke around with them make me an approachable and effective team player.

The level of commitment I have for swimming clearly takes up a lot of time. Fortunately, time management is something that comes easily to me. I excel at balancing practices with school work and managing any obligations, especially those that might conflict with my rigorous swimming and academic schedule. I am proud of the way I’ve handled my responsibilities, but I am most proud of the role model I have become to the younger swimmers on our team. I remember how I looked up to the coaches when I was younger, and so I now feel pride in the ability to be that same role model and mentor to the swimmers I coach now.

My academic goals are to go as far as my school allows in math and science and to continue my studies in college at a selective program. I have been fortunate to attend and excel at The Potomac School, a highly ranked independent school in Virginia. As an Honors student and AP scholar, I earned the Potomac Valley Swimming Scholar Athlete award. And as a dual American-Peruvian citizen, who is bilingual in Spanish and English, I was invited to the USA Swimming Diversity Select Camp. I am a Washington METRO, Virginia Independent Schools State, and Sectional A finalist, and I hold school records in 100 free, 50 free, 100 back, and 400 free relay. I would be an asset to any NCAA team because I am unconditionally committed to improve and succeed!