Cassandra Schneid '26 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming at the age of 8 years old after trying every other sport! None of them clicked, including swim, but I liked the people there and met some of my still closest friends! The club I was in was a smaller one and a little less intense so this helped (when I was younger). Crying at meets was a pretty normal thing. I related to Kate Douglas' interview at the Paris Olympics when she said crying while getting in the car for practice and meets was something she also did regularly! Fast forward to middle school. I have been on Varsity since 8th grade. The practices were more than I was used to--they were pretty intense! My mom started to have to bribe me to go: Tim Hortons everyday, and cash. Yes, she would pay me to continue. She saw in me what I did not, that I was good and could really do this! Halfway through that first varsity season, I started to see it too. She stopped having to bribe me, and I would be rushing her out the door because I wanted to be early. I am grateful that she never let me quit.

I attend a smaller high school in Western New York, so have not won any championships (yet)!! I am hopeful for this year because we have a strong group that has been together for a while. Every year, I have qualified for ECICs individually and we have a relay that consistently makes it to Sectionals. I switched to a more competitive club as I have grown and become more serious about the sport. With the support of my teammates and coaches, and with a more positive attitude, I have really improved and am ready to take that next step!