Lydia Hurst '20 Recruiting Profile

I began swimming competitively my 7^th grade year. As I had no prior experience other than swimming laps to keep in shape, my first year was a struggle. I was embarrassed to find I was not at all as fast as the other athletes on the team, who had all been swimming since they were in elementary school. At times I wished I had been swimming as long as the others, but now I am grateful I started when I did; it was because of this struggle that allowed me to adopt a growth mindset about my sport and, subsequently, later become one of the fastest swimmers on the team.

After that first high school swim season I immediately began swimming with the local club team, weight training, and practicing visualization. I fell in love with the sport and was determined to become the best athlete I could be. Swimming has taught me many life lessons that I will always appreciate, the main one being that I can achieve anything that I am willing to work for. It also showed me the importance of being a good teammate and to not let setbacks shut me down. For these reasons, I want to continue swimming at a collegiate level. There, I plan to keep improving my times and to build a close relationship with my team.

My academics are as important (if not more important) to me as my swimming. I am a strong student; I’m currently ranked 27^th in my class of 206 and I’m taking AP and honors classes that challenge me. I want a college that will give me a fulfilling academic and athletic experience so I can continue to grow as both a student and as an athlete.