Reese Hartmann '21 Recruiting Profile

My swimming career started when I was six years old, mainly because my sister was on a team and my parents wanted me to know how to swim. At this young age, I wasn’t thinking seriously about swimming until I worked harder and got better. The results that I got made me realize the effect of hard work, in the pool and in the classroom.

By pushing myself in this sport, I fell in love with all aspects of it. I love the team atmosphere and how a team can really come together during tough sets and meets. I always do my best to be a good team player, motivate my teammates, and set a good example for other swimmers. I’ve become a student of the sport and always want to know how to get better with constant feedback or asking questions about my technique and speed. I believe that in order to succeed as a team or individual, you need to be positive, work hard, and surround yourself with people who challenge you, both physically or mentally.

I recognized that I wanted to swim in college when I started high school swimming. It took up a lot of my time, but it was worth it and it made me organize my time for school work better. During my freshman year, I had a successful season in the pool and a successful year in school, maintaining a high GPA. This made me realize the potential I have when I truly apply myself. I believe that to do well in the pool, you first have to do well in school. Hard work has to be done whether it’s dropping time in your best event or getting a good grade in a difficult class.

I have recently experienced disappointing seasons due freak injuries in the pool that caused me to miss essential training midseason, impacting my end of season meets.  Obviously, this was frustrating, but it fueled my desire to continually work hard. In the end, I knew that these small setbacks have made me a stronger swimmer and person. I am still overcoming these obstacles, but I will always give over 100% to this sport that has helped to shape how I live and view conditions in my life.

An important thing to know about me is that I tend to think differently than others. I have always been a thinker and an observer. I tend to make sure I know what I’m saying before I say it (I have even been known to say “I’m finding my words” if it takes time to form a response). I have plenty of passion for equality and film. I believe that film can transform a person or a society, and by showing equality in film, there might just be more of it in our world. By thinking and observing in my life, I know that I want to go into the film industry and use this medium to combine the two things I am most passionate about. I believe that passion drives me to put my best foot forward, whether it be creating a video, working in school, or swimming in the pool.