Sam Siebenaller '16 Recruiting Profile

At the age of five, I began participating in dance, girl scouts, gymnastics, soccer, and competitive swim. As I became more focused and involved with soccer and swimming, I decided to quit dance and gymnastics. For over eight years, I balanced soccer and swim practices with school work, extracurricular activities, and volunteering. At the age of 13, a drastic injury ended my soccer career.

On a gloomy October day, one week before my first high school Sectionals meet, I tore my ACL for the second time. It was extremely painful telling my coaches and teammates that I was injured in a soccer game that weekend. Regardless of my injury, I knew that I could not let my team down. After getting my doctor’s approval to continue swimming prior to surgery, I regained my focus on Sectionals and State. The following weekend, at the Sectionals meet, I placed first in my 50 freestyle, second in my 100 butterfly, second in the 200 medley relay, and 3rd in the 400 freestyle relay, which qualified myself and five other teammates for the State competition. At State, I placed fourth in the 50 freestyle with a new high school record, third in the 200 medley relay with a new high school record, and seventh in the 100 butterfly.

Although the injury and recovery process has been the biggest obstacle I have faced to this day, I have learned how to persevere through physical and mental obstacles. I have become more determined, self motivated, and focused on my future goals.  

I am a dedicated, motivated swimmer that loves racing and working hard. My love and passion for the sport of swimming will never diminish, which is why I am looking forward to swimming in college. I cannot wait for the future. I plan on majoring in Kinesiology or Elementary Education, while exceeding my goals inside of the pool.