Elias Dean '25 Recruiting Profile

Since I was 3 I’ve been in the water and have enjoyed every second of it. I started swimming in California on a competitive team at age 5, and went on to swim with the NATO Marlins in Brussels, Belgium while my dad was stationed there.   I engaged in very little competition there, but had the opportunity to watch my older sister swim in the first long course pool I’d seen during a championship meet in The Netherlands.  Watching from the stands started my dream of one day swimming in a place like that. After moving back to the USA, I began swimming with our local club team, where I made it to Finals each year.  Three years ago I moved to Bainbridge Island, Washington where I joined BISC, which has been the best experience of my life training with absolutely amazing coaches. Throughout COVID-19 while the pool was closed, I spent time training in the Puget Sound doing open water swims, and doing dry land daily. The one thing that truly separates me from others is how I adapt and overcome challenges that come my way and still find a way to thrive.