Alanis Santiago '24 Recruiting Profile

Babe Ruth once stated that “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up” and he could not be more right. Have you ever met someone that never seems to give up? No matter what happens they keep going. Take a minute and think about trying to beat someone that never gives up. Even losing and failure is a kind of victory for some people. I try to look at life with a perspective of learning as much as I can from every situation in which I find that giving up should not ever be a choice. I keep trying and using those lessons of failure to build a solid swimming foundation that will lead me to victory to accomplish my goals. That is how I define myself, as a person. Life gives us the opportunities to grow, learn, and develop into better versions of ourselves.

Let me introduce myself, my name is Alanis Santiago and ever since I could remember I had a strong passion for swimming. At the age of three, I started my first swimming lessons at the community pool where we lived at that moment, my coach (my father), who by the way had no idea about the sport, saw how much I enjoyed swimming and started teaching me. Thank you, Dad. I have a strong passion for swimming, it has allowed me to find myself, allows me to always give my best, being part of a team, helping and being an example for others.

Outside of swimming, I am part of the National Honor Society, an exceptional organization that allows students to help the needy, children, the elderly, and nonprofit organizations. Personally, the year of 2017, I witness alongside with my family the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in my island of origin, Puerto Rico, where we help reconstruct my grandparents’ home who lost everything due to the hurricane. During my time in Puerto Rico, I helped many homeless animals such as dogs, cats, and cows by feeding them. I hope to one day to enter the field of either veterinary or physical therapy which are my biggest two passions.  I want to help create awareness for animals and help athletes recover from their injuries through physical therapy.  My main goal is to be part of a college swim team where I can benefit the team with points, spirit, and academic strength and to represent my island, Puerto Rico, in swimming at the Olympics.  Thank you for taking the time to review my profile! Have a great day!