Alec Bazaldua '20 Recruiting Profile

I can list on one hand the things I'm passionate about---swimming being one of them.  To make a long story short, it saved my life.  I was six years old and going to the Allergy and Asthma Clinic for another appointment.  My parents were tired.  Tired of a sick kid, medications and doctor appointments.  When the doctor gave us the updated prescriptions at the end of the appointment, my mom asked if there was anything else we could do that would help.  Dr. Minotti, boldly replied, "There is one thing that some of my patients have tried that might help."  She asked, "What is that?"  "Swimming", he replied.  "I can't guarantee it but it has helped others", he said.  My mom left that appointment and told me I was going to join a swim team the following year because I liked water and it would help me be healthier.  

I joined swim team at age 6 as a weak, scrawny child.  I disliked it very much because practice was difficult and I never liked losing.  The more I practiced, the better I got.  After the end of that first season, my lungs had grown remarkably stronger and I had no hospitalizations.  Eventually, I was taken off the medications that had affected my appetite and growth.

At the beginning of my third year of swimming I met the Galaviz coaches.  They took an interest in me and I was willing to work hard for them.  My passion for swimming developed.  It felt good to be in the water, have more control and strength in my body, and increased confidence.  Anthony Galaviz, my coach and mentor, was swimming at the college level and working with me during the summers---a total of six years.

This sport has enabled me to be focused and self disciplined. I developed much slower than my peers and I had to practice patience and perseverance.  The swimming helped me clear my mind and has made me focus clearly in my classes.  I consider myself a strong student with faith and values taught to me as a priority by my parents.

I have a love of sports and competition.  My dad is a basketball coach and has taught me many life lessons about the value of practice and hard work.  His mantra is that hard work beats talent every time. "There is no substitute for preparation", he says.  I have worked hard being on my Dad's teams.  I have enjoyed being a multi-sport athlete and the thrill of running at the state tournament---which is a fairly new experience.  I also helped lead my basketball team to State in Spokane, WA. for the first time in 11 years.  But now I am committed to focus on swimming and put the needed time in at the pool to help me reach my goal of swimming at the collegiate level.  I would regret it if this was not a part of my college experience.  I encourage you to watch my profile and times as I dedicate more time in the pool this year.

Whether I excel at the college level or not, swimming is a lifetime sport for me.  I need it to be a strong and confident individual.  It gives me focus, helps me mentally, and is a great way to start my day.

If you are a coach, I would love to hear from you and I'm always open to advice and suggestions.  Thank you for reading my Personal Statement.