Maggie Lam '21 Recruiting Profile

UPDATE: I'VE ALREADY COMMITTED TO UC BERKELEY.  (For academics, not swim)

Ever since I started swimming as an 11 year old, I believed I started way too late to get my speed up to swim at the college level. When I was 14, I was seeded to win every event at a major championship. During my backstroke prelims, I turned too late and split my heel in the gutter. I was instantly rushed to the hospital, where I got 7 stitches and was told I will not be able to swim for a month, let alone any of my finals. This event devastated me. At that time, I thought my trauma and month off would be a significant setback to my ultimate goal of swimming at the collegiate level, however, instead of lamenting upon my doubts, I chose to utilize that experience as a motivation to work harder and excel. I have to train even harder to obtain my goal of swimming at the collegiate level than most people, channeling my competitive and ambitious personality to do the best I can at every meet, hoping one day I'd be noticed.

Most importantly I strive to remain humble and respectful at all times, knowing my actions determine who I am as a person and as an athlete. As I've learned from my past, building up good sportsmanship and learning what it is to be a team is way more important than just being fast. That's why I lead by example to swimmers and serve as a source of encouragement to my teammates. As an exuberant yet competitive person, I am able to help everyone around me bond as a team, and together, work harder to achieve higher goals.

On top of my training in the pool and dry land everyday, I also dedicate a portion of my time to community service, ranging from volunteering at the senior center and tutoring children at the elementary school to trash duty at marathons. I am also very heavy on academics. Currently enrolled in four AP classes and maintaining a 4.16 weighted G.P.A, I know I'm capable of balancing both swim and academics while striving to work my hardest in both aspects. That's why I aim for a college that will challenge me not only as a competitive swimmer, but will also academically. 

I may not be the fastest swimmer out there and my times may not be satisfactory. However, I have an immeasurable compassion for the sport and an unwavering desire to make an impact on other's lives. I believe I have so much room to grow as a competitive swimmer and I genuinely hope a college will recognize that, give me a chance, and train me to reach my fullest potential in and out of the pool.