Kessel Cripe '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello, My name is Kessel. Yes, if you are wondering my name is from Star Wars. My name is one of the many things that makes me unique. I have been swimming competitively year round since I fell in love with the sport when I was 8 years old. I have grown to love swimming more and more over the years. It is what has helped me grow and given me the ability to focus on training and not worry about anything else. This attitude has given me a drive to work hard every day. The harder I work, the better the results and the better I feel after a practice. I THRIVE in an environment that challenges me and pushes me with hard work, hard sets, and team mates that embrace the grind.  

Swimming has honed my love of athletics and exercise and taught me to love my team above all else. My team is what gets me through hard practices and hard days at school.  I love them and we all support each other. I love getting to be a team player. I believe that one of my best qualities is that I am encouraging and positive. Practices and meets go by much faster and are more enjoyable when you are having fun. I learned from the culture of my high school swim team how to stay positive and always be encouraging during hard sets and meets. My best meets have been when my teammates and I are standing the whole time cheering like crazy for eachother. I am a leader on my team. I encourage people to stand up and cheer at meets. I am always happy to see new swimmers’ faces and invite them into the family. I lead practically by finding ways to incorporate team unity on and off the pool deck.

In a team I am looking for a second family. Swimming is unique in that it is an individual sport done with a team. I think that is part of what makes it so special. I want to be part of a team that pushes me to be a better person and athlete: a team that encourages hard work and is positive even when things are hard. I want to be part of a team that makes practices something to look forward to, no matter how tired we are. I am looking for a team and coach that focuses on the good and celebrates achievements while continuing to push towards the next goal. I hope to have the opportunity to be a part of a college program that shares these values, and that I can be proud to call my collegiate family.

Thanks for reading. Call me… maybe?