Gabby Celia '15 Recruiting Profile

As I begin my college search process, I am excited about the opportunity to pursue both challenging new academic and swimming endeavors.  Initially, I took ballet until the age of 12. In middle school I quickly discovered that I had a new desire to be part of a team and craved competition.  I joined the modified swim team at Saratoga Springs City School in the seventh grade and immediately loved the sport.  As a freshman, I tried out for the Varsity Team knowing that there were swimmers that had many more years in the pool than I had, but I was determined to do my very best in training. Fortunately, I made the final cut and making that team was the best thing that ever happened to me.  The past three years I have been devoted to becoming the top sprint breaststroker and freestyler on our team, holding the Section II Division I 100 breaststroke championship title with a New York State qualifying time of 106.27 as well as breaking three school records in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, as well as an individual school record and a state qualifying time of 24.75 in the 50 free.  This past year along with finishing eighth at the NYSPHAA State Championships in the 100 breast, I was fortunate enough to qualify for and attend YMCA Short Course Nationals (2013) as well as the long course Speedo Super Sectionals in Buffalo, NY.

Goal setting is extremely important for me both in and out of the pool.  Academically, my guidance counselor has expressed, that I am an extremely consistent student.  I enjoy taking challenging classes that will push me to new levels of thought and creativity.  Musically, I have enjoyed playing the flute and participating in band for the last seven years as well as attending the Spring NYSMA festivals.

 My favorite thing is to race in the pool, nothing compares to the adrenaline of standing on the blocks and diving into the pool and giving it your all.  I would love to continue racing through college and dream of being a member of a college swim team.