Sara Strauss '21 Recruiting Profile

Progress just doesn’t happen overnight. It takes lots of time and effort before results and change starts to emerge. But with a driven mentality to better oneself, the journey becomes the passion. The end results are impressive but the journey is worthwhile. That’s why I swim.

I started swimming for a recreational team in the summer when I was about 7 years old. As I got older, I became more interested in swimming and joined the middle school team as well as a few USA teams: Guardians and West Ottawa Swim Club. After my freshman season, slightly missing a spot in the state relay, I worked even harder in the offseason to further improve. From that experience, I learned that I committed myself to set goals and new achievements and the only way to accomplish those goals was to work harder and become more dedicated. The following year, the extra work paid off by making the state cuts in the 100 Breastroke, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and the 400 Free Relay. 

During my junior season, I was elected to be a team captain. This influenced me because it made me want to become a role model for the team to follow. I wanted to express my commitment and dedication to others so it would influence them to work harder. It made me become more dedicated to not only swimming but to my team, knowing that they were counting on me to lead them. Additionally, I was able to achieve winning All-Conference in the 100 Breastroke as well as place 9th in the 200IM at conference. Furthermore, I was able to place 9th in the 100 Breast at the state championship. It was great to be a role model and lead my team during those elite meets. 

Academically I have set goals which include: being a part of the Summa Cum Laude(3.9-4.0) for the honor roll,  senior scholar and graduate in the top 10% of my class. Lastly, another goal I have is to receive the International Baccalaureate diploma. But amongst all, I aspire to try my very best and work as hard as I can and dedicate myself to achieving future goals both in and out of the pool.