Isabella Gayle '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Isabella Gayle. I have been swimming competitively since I was eight years old. I have been on several teams, Killer Crocs (2014-2017), Clifton Park-Halfmoon Piranhas (2017-Present), Shenendehowa Modified  Swim Team (2019-2020), and Shenendehowa Varsity Swim Team (2020-Present). Swimming has shaped me into the person I am today.

There are many values I have taken from swimming.

Perseverance:
This past Varsity season (2021) I fractured a bone in my left foot. Interestingly, I broke it while swimming in the 200 free relay at a dual meet. This meet was of importance because it was a battle between the last two undefeated teams in the Section.  On my flip turn, I ended up hitting my foot just right and hard enough to fracture my fifth metatarsal. After the accident,  I was still scheduled to swim the final leg of the 400 free relay. At this point, I was unaware my foot was fractured although I was in pain. This meet was very important for my team and I did not want to let them down. I pushed through the pain and swam my leg of the relay. While I was unable to compete for the rest of the season, I continued to train with my team when I was cleared to practice without using my legs.

Determination:
I feel like in order to succeed it is super important to set goals. Whenever I swim, I always try to have a goal in mind and have a set plan on how to achieve that goal. Even with a lot of planning there are always going to be setbacks. Fracturing my bone was a big setback for me, I had goals to achieve states times that I wasn't able to fulfill. Even though this was tough to get through, I continued to push myself keeping my goals in mind. When I was able to compete again in February with my club team, my determination really paid off. In all of the events I swam, I beat all of my times from my previous varsity season.

Friendship & Teammate:
Through swimming, I have met some of my best friends. These friendships are bonds that I hope will last a lifetime. I feel like being on a team bonds people together. The team aspect of swimming is something I admire, you always know that your team will support you through anything, the good swims, and the bad swims. When I was younger I was always very shy, but being on the pool deck cheering for my teammates helped pull me out of my shell. Now I am probably one of the loudest on the pool deck. This past Varsity season I actually won the Plainsmen Award, which is given for being a great teammate and showing constant support.

Time Management:
As you know, being a swimmer takes a lot of time and dedication. Although swimming is very important, so is school. Just like I push myself in swimming, I also push myself academically. I am enrolled in honors and AP classes and continue to maintain good grades. While also handling a busy practice schedule.

I hope to find a college that will continue to push me academically and athletically. Making me the best student-athlete I can be.