Anna Balfanz '23 Recruiting Profile

I know that swimming is what I want to do in college. I cannot imagine my life without swimming in it. The feeling I get when I am swimming is something that I don't get with any other sport. When I hear the starting whistle my brain automatically flips and I get butterflies in my stomach. Even when I am timing my brother's meets, I just get so excited to compete and race. Racing and the actual meets are definitely my favorite part of swimming. Nothing compares to it in my mind. I am a true competitor through and through and I will always continue to push myself so I am putting my best foot forward. This is why I cannot wait to continue my swimming career at the college level. 

I was in the water for the first time when I was a month old and began competitively swimming when I was seven years old. I immediately fell in love with it. I have a very competitive personality and this was a way for me to give into that competitive itch in a fun way. Right now I am not swimming year round because I am a tri-sport athlete. I am on the swim team as well as the dance and track teams at my school. Because of this, I will graduate with twelve varsity letters. I am looking forward to being the captain of at least the swim and dance teams next year. Being a part of three different sports has really helped me grow throughout my high school career and has made me a better, well rounded athlete. I have also grown so much as a person, as I have learned what it means to be a good teammate and a leader. Working with multiple coaches for a variety of sports has made me a more coachable athlete, always willing to learn and improve.  

Another good thing that has come out of being a tri-sport athlete, is that I have not experienced burnout with swimming. If anything it has made me realize how much I love to swim and it has helped me realize that swimming is what I want to do. Every time I get back in the water I am so excited and determined to do my best. I always want to work my hardest and put my best foot forward whether it be in the pool or the weight room. I know that I still have a lot of room for growth and development, and I am looking forward to continuing to improve my times and skills this spring and summer so I will have even more to offer my future team mates and coaches.