Madison Scorgie ‘24 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

Dear Swimming Coach and Admissions Committee

I am writing to express my interest in studying in the United States of America. 

I am an exceptionally passionate swimmer and know that I will add value both academically and on the swim team!

I am born and bred in Johannesburg, South Africa and exceptionally proud of my heritage.  My background and experiences will no doubt contribute to the diversity of perspectives in America.

I am an all-rounder, excelling in sports, particularly in swimming.

I am a natural leader with an exceptionally positive attitude.  I am passionate about creating an upbeat and inclusive environment for everyone.  I am known for my smile, contagious laughter, and happy character.

I thrive in a school environment and enjoy being a part of various school activities like the Sports Derby Days, Inter House Athletics, and my absolute favourite – the swim team! 

I loved being part of the Debutante & Squires fundraising team at my high school last year.  Debs & Squires is challenge which I accepted to raise funds to enhance our school, as well as for the school’s chosen charity – St Laurence’s Children’s Haven, which is a safe haven for abused and neglected children.  The aim of Debs and Squires is not only to raise funds but taught me the value of giving back to the community and assisting those less fortunate than myself.  I am very proud to say that I was crowned as the second princess at an extraordinary elegant Grand Ball held for the students who qualified by raising a minimum amount of money.  Visits to The Haven over the years has defined who I am today, I love being with the children, playing and getting to know each individual leading me to understand that circumstances do not define an individual but rather to be the best version of yourself.

I participate in both Club Swimming and School Swimming.  I have an exceptionally diverse group of friends and via swimming, I have made friends who have become family throughout the school as well as with all the other schools in our province and on a national basis.

Over my prep school and high school years I have explored various extracurricular activities including obtaining Full Colours for Pool Swimming and Open Water Swimming year on year as well as participating in Athletics, Netball, Hockey, Cross Country, Ballet, Dancing and Choir.  I was made a Monitor for the final year of Preparatory School and look forward to leveraging off my natural leadership ability in my final year at High School.

I believe that my exploring both sport and cultural activities over the years I have realised my natural ability in swimming.  I don’t remember the defining moment that sparked my love for swimming, its seems like SWIMMING has always been my passion!

My personal qualities, values, and characteristics make me a unique and valuable addition to the university community.  I aspire to leave a legacy that others can look up to, demonstrating behaviours such as integrity, empathy and dedication to both academics and swimming.

Academically I look forward to studying in the psychology faculty as I am passionate about people and look forward to building a career that deeply involves working with people.   I plan to leverage off of my education to make a positive impact in the world, helping those around me and having a positive impact on everyone I meet.

Swimming keeps me grounded and aligns with my aspirations and goals. I have experienced hard lessons in the pool, being part of a team and excelling at a personal level.  The challenges and setbacks I have experience in and out of the pool at training and at competition level has without a doubt shaped me and influenced my perspective of winning and being a good team player.   I have not only learnt resilience but how important it is to me to be part of a team.

I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my academic and swimming journey and believe that the USA is the perfect place to nurture my passions and aspirations.

I am a firm believer in having fun as success will follow!

Thanks & kind regards
Madison Scorgie