Barbra Brottman '13 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coach,

I am a distance freestyler and IMer from Deerfield, Illinois. At the end of my Junior year,  I went 4:26.66 in my 400 IM, 5:02.74 in my 500 Free, and 1:51.82 in my 200 Free. I have just finished my short course season and am looking forward to long course season and swimming outside.

I have been swimming competitively for 11 years and have had many accomplishments. During Freshman, Sophmore and Junior year at Deerfield High School, I swam Varsity, made State, and was named All-Conference all three years. This past year, my Junior year, I was named All-State as I place 8th in my 200 Free. 

The videos on the website are all from the 2011 high school season during which I had a black warrior cap on.  The first and third video are from the beginning of the season and the other two are from high school sectionals.  I did wear a speed suit for sectionals but was not fully tapered for that meet.  I will always remember the end of the 500 freestyle as one of my favorite races. 

For club, I have swam at the Regional, State, Zone and Sectional levels for many years. During the winter of 2011,  I made NCSA Junior Nationals for the first time and really enjoyed the experience.  My 2012 short course season ended this year again at NCSA Junior Nationals with lifetime bests in the 500 Free and 400 IM.  Although I didn't achieve my goal of going under five minutes in the 500 Freestyle this year, I am highly motivated to achieve this goal as well as achieving a top 8 finish at the high school state meet in the Fall. 

I am looking for a college that has the right balance of academics and swimming so I can pursue my goals both in and out of the water.  I would continue to put forth my love for swimming and hard work both in the classroom and the pool.  I am looking for a university with a good academic reputation for my field of study. The school should be medium to large in size.  Location is not as important as is finding the right fit where I will be happy in and out of the pool.

I am certified in scuba diving and this has sparked my interest in Marine Biology.  My other interest has evolved from my parents and our four dogs.  Since I was little, my family has fostered and adopted homeless Dalmatians and Bloodhounds from which my love of animals developed. My dogs have played a huge role in my life and they have helped shape who I am today. My passion and love for animals has led me to an interest in veterinary care.

During the summers, when not at practice, I lifeguard at a local country club and have taught swim lessons.  As for my future in the pool, I would love to swim as a freshman and contribute towards meeting the team goals as well as be challenged with individual improvement.

As a student athlete, I want to be able to meet my personal/academic goals while being part of a great team/family.  Thanks for your time and consideration.

Barbra