Grayson Arnold '15 Recruiting Profile

During my time at Detroit Catholic Central I've faced many challenges; the toughest was my junior year.  I struggled with my academic and athletic endeavors as a result of contracting mono.  The work load at school and practice took its toll, I wasn't able to stay awake in class and fell behind.  My parents and Doctors forced me to take time off school and swimming to recuperate.  It took several months of extra work, both in the class and in the pool to catch up.  By the end of the swim season I had won my conference meet in the 50 free style, qualified for the MHSAA State Finals and the NCSA Junior Nationals.  I started to turn things around in class and was able to improve my GPA in the 4 quarter.  My junior year was trying and difficult, but through hard work and perseverance I learned that goals could be reached and success can be achieved.

As a high School athlete I've realized that I thrive on the intense interscholastic competition, both in the classroom and natatorium.  The combination of academics and athletics helps me focus on my goals and keep me on track to accomplish them.  My senior year isn't done, I have become increasingly aware that everything comes to an end.  My high school goal was to leave my mark at CC and i have accomplished it by setting swim team records as an individual and as part of an All American relay team.  I also rebounded academically from my junior year, by improving my GPA.  I'm not done yet, this year isn't over and I have greater goals within my grasp.

One of the cornerstones of my education has been service to others.  It is something I believe in and continue to do all year.  I have posted more than 150 hours of community service time through school and community organizations.  I have logged time working with the Boy Scouts, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and events at Catholic Central.  My favorite service opportunity was with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP).  We traveled from Michigan into West Virginia and spent a week building an addition on a home for a man that had been crushed and paralyzed in a mining accident.  Being a member of this project and providing a service to someone truly in need opened my eyes and has grounded me as an individual.  I have been fortunate to have the support of my family and understand how lucky I am to be in a position to help others.

I enjoy many other extracurricular activities outside of swimming.  My favorite hobby is playing paintball.  This game is a combination of physical skills, critical thinking and strategy.  These attributes are needed to succeed in class and life.  Playing the game helps me understand people, situations and provides a fun outlet for stress relief, while being exciting.  I also enjoy camping and being outdoors.  One activity that brings me pleasure is kayaking.  I spend my down time in the summer on the lake fishing and boating.  Even though the lake can get crowded and rowing the boat is physical, it is a time to reflect and relax.

I don't want to end my competitive career here at CC.  It is my desire to swim in the NCAA and compete at the next level.  It is my plan to use the foundations I've learned in our program as I move forward.  The thought of adding new techniques and ideas that will enhance my skill set has me eager to start.  The next phase of my life brings possibilities to set and reach new performance goals.  The challenge and prospect of a new beginning excites me.  I am looking forward to opening my mind and pushing my physical limits to new heights.  I will make the commitment to do everything I can to lead my new teammates in the pool, classroom and community.