Laurel Knox '22 Recruiting Profile

In the 5th grade, my school had a PE unit that took all the students to our local high school pool for swimming lessons. I was quickly put into one of the top groups without ever swimming "real" strokes before. My love for swimming was born and from that point on I have not come out of the water. My love for swimming grew even more when I started swimming for the high school team. I really enjoy the camaraderie of the team and representing my school and community.  My Freshman year, I was the only one from my class to make the Varsity and I was named "Rookie of the year." But, I did not want to just be that one "good Freshman."  I wanted to improve in anyway I could. I sought out my dad for help and he set up a rigorous workout routine for me complete with weightlifting, running, and yoga.  The extra training made a difference.  I was a district champion my Sophomore year in the 500 free. I also competed at state my Sophomore year, the 2019 season. I went in 4 events and made finals in the 500FR.  As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, "A goal without a plan is just a wish" and I have a solid plan in place to reach my goals.  I have a great work ethic that is not only evident in my swimming, but in my school work as well. I'm a well rounded individual that would be an asset to any collegiate team.  I have continued to train through COVID -19.  Initially, all pools close to my town were shutdown, but I found a backyard pool in town where they would let me swim.  Now that the club has been able to resume we have been ramping up our training and I am real excited to hopefully start competing again!