Alana Nelson '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Alana Nelson, I have been swimming competitively for 5 years now. I believe the biggest part of my athletic career that influenced who I am, was my Freshman year of high school. I was struggling with improvement and even while lifting weights I felt I didn't have what it took to get good. It was a hard year for me and I heavily doubted myself when I saw other athletes that were at a higher performance level than me. However, starting my Sophomore year of high school, I began to improve rapidly; I pushed myself harder than I did in previous years. It was all a mental challenge, I told myself I could do better, and instead of wishing for it, I put in the effort and tried things I didn't think I could do the last year. Asking my coaches for help and advice, and learning how to properly take care of myself is what has gotten me to where I am today. That's when I took almost 7 and 1/2 seconds off my times in a single high school season. I want to be able to better myself and my time while giving it all I can. I want to give it 100% and dedicate myself to improving and learning more each practice. My goal is to be an important part of the team and someone other teammates can look up to and want to work towards. Swimming has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life, and I hope to be able to keep it in the future as well.  I want to find a university that will challenge me academically and athletically so I can continue this journey and this ability.