Jillian Crooks '24 Recruiting Profile

“Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” - Jackie Joyner-Kersee. 

I am a swimmer with a record of overcoming obstacles. Currently, I am being homeschooled and am also swimming at Homer Highschool in Homer, Alaska. In addition to swimming, my parents have allowed me to participate in karate, ballet, tap, jazz, synchronized swimming, basketball, and netball. Communication skills are also vital so I will pursue another language in earnest to understand persons from other cultures. My Mom and Dad have encouraged my siblings and me to become lifelong learners as well as athletes. 

Swimming has been a significant part of my life from an early age. I started Learn-to-Swim lessons at the age of four and began competitive swimming at the age of seven. My elder brother, Jordan Crooks, who is also a swimmer, has motivated me to excel in and out of the pool. He has taught me through his leadership by example that only a consistent approach to swimming and academics allows us to achieve our goals. A consistent approach has helped me to develop a high level of discipline and has bolstered my resilience to be able to overcome setbacks in all areas of my life, with the support of others. 

With the strong support of family, coaches, church family, tutors, and friends, I became the youngest female Olympian in the history of the Cayman Islands by attending the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Swimming at the Olympics has motivated me to become even more focused in swim practices and academic life. The experience has also led me to have a greater appreciation for the importance of teamwork. 

As a college swimmer, I would enjoy being a part of a dedicated team where we motivate each other to achieve our best and build relationships that can last for a lifetime and in the spirit of hard work, consistency, and gratitude, I will do my very best to make my coaches proud of me and enhance the reputation of my college.