Shelby Starkey '19 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming competitively at the age of seven but have always loved being around the water. I spend as much time around the pool as possible. Throughout the summer I lifeguard at the local pool and assistant coach the summer swim team.  I enjoy sharing my love for the sport with young swimmers. I have also taught swim lessons for preschool aged children while working at the local YMCA.

I really enjoy the competitive nature of swimming, not only with other swimmers but also with myself. I am a goal setter in the pool as well as in the classroom.When I set a goal for myself I don't stop working until I achieve it.  I don't only set goals for myself, but also for my team. Being a part of a team is something that is very important to me. I compete on the high school varsity golf team during the fall season and have become very close to my teammates. I started golfing only two years ago and have spent a lot of time on the golf course practicing with my teammates. To me teammates are people you can always count on to support you and cheer you on even on your worst days. They are people that help get you through the hardest practices. 

My coaches have always pushed me to be not only the best athlete I can be, but also the best teammate. On my high school swim team we always cheer for each other and encourage our teammates to keep pushing through hard sets. My coaches have motivated me in so many ways to keep working for what I want and it is because of them that I have learned that I am the only one that can make anything happen for myself. 

I strive for success in the classroom as well. My grades are not something I take lightly. It is important for me to be able to balance my education, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. My time management skills have been the key to my success so far in high school. I enjoy keeping myself busy and always having something to stay focused on. I have been able to maintain a 4.0 grade point average and am currently ranked 2nd in my class of 200 while participating in numerous sports and extracurricular activities.

I want to continue swimming at the highest competitive level possible for me. I look forward to pushing my limits and becoming the best swimmer I can be.