Meredith Stevenson '22 Recruiting Profile

The team that recruits me will get a dedicated, honest, and hard working athlete who is anxious to engage.  I want to study in the field of health sciences. Not completely decided but Communication disorders interest me. I've taken several Honors and AP classes and feel prepared for college. Something that sets me apart from others is that I don't give up! I don't quit just because it's hard or painful.  I work everyday to do all the little things correctly so eventually it leads me to the big thing. (Success!)  In September 2020 I suffered an ACL injury and went through a total ACL reconstruction surgery Oct 2, 2020.  In that moment I thought there was no way I would be able to walk again let alone swim. I admit, I was nervous the first few weeks. The pain was intense and all consuming.   Covid took it's toll on all swim events and with the surgery, I didn't get to swim at all, not one race before High School Regionals and High School State.  I was all set to have an amazing junior year.  It bugged me that my season was being stolen away.  As I approached 4 months post op, I realized that I was actually doing much better than expected.  I received clearance from my surgeon and told my high school coach that I wanted to swim at regionals even though I knew I wouldn't make it to state as I had the past two years. I began to prepare myself mentally and continued with PT and swam as much as my knee would tolerate.  At 4 1/2 months post surgery, I swam the 100 butterfly at regionals and came in 3rd for both sides of the state. Everyone was stunned! Me most of all.  I was the only member of my high school team that qualified for state.  I finished 6th.  After that, I thought why not go ahead and go to USA sectionals.  So I did! I tell this story because I want everyone to know that setbacks don't stop me nor do they scare me. I was honored to receive the "Heart of a Lion" athletic award for 20-21 school year.  This award demonstrates my personal statement perfectly.  I do have the heart of a Lion!  I continue to rehab with a strict exercise program, Physical Therapy, full swim practice 5/6 days per week and a healthy diet.  My strength and speed are improving and I'm excited for a possible epic senior year. I hope you will continue to follow my progress as I will finally have the opportunity to put up some much better times than from 2 years ago.