Kailey Zimmerman '22 Recruiting Profile

I started swimming competitively when I was 9 years old . Since day one I've always been setting goals for myself and I'm willing to put the maximum amount of effort and time until I reach my goals. I'm very determined and confident in everything I do. Sometimes, I put a lot of pressure on myself. My coach always says, "You're harder on yourself than I am with you", and he's right, I am. I think that is what makes me uniquely me and that is what drives me to continually get better. I'm always looking for the next step on the latter to take with myself and my team. I'm always trying to find different ways to improve myself, and I'm always up for critical feedback.

I also love the team aspect of swimming. Many people think swimming is a sport in which you compete alone, but I don’t see it that way. Whenever one of my teammates comes up to me and asks for help I'll always stay that extra hour because their success is just as important as my own.

Some people see me as a perfectionist. I am very competitive, but I am also one of the happiest people you'll ever meet. I'm always up for a new challenge. I don’t believe in the “impossible”  because in my mind anything is possible. That what makes me different from most people. Once I set my mind on something I'm not going to back down.

This mindset has helped me in many areas outside of swimming as well, especially academics. Even though I love competing in swimming, academics are my number one priority . I strive to keep my grades high, even if that means staying up late to study or to correct a paper. I understand the importance of preparing for life after swimming.

Another aspect of my life that my strong work ethic and desire to contribute has impacted is my volunteering. I currently volunteer as a youth leader at my church. I love children. I know that this experience has helped my gain compassion toward others.

These are the reasons I feel that I am well suited for a college swim team. I know that I will be able to use my determination to accomplish my end goal, of swimming in college.