CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Some of the best high school swimmers in the region got a chance to showcase their talents and connect with colleges in a first-of-its-kind event. The Keystone Aquatics Center hosted its first-ever college recruiting event on Saturday to help get Central Pennsylvania's high school swimmers to the next stage of their competitive swimming careers.
Swimmers from 9th to 12th grade participated in a practice format event led by Keystone Aquatics coaches including five-time Olympic trial qualifier and Cumberland County native Leah Gingrich.
"I think it's one of the very first recruiting events in swimming that I know of, so just to have the opportunity for the kids to come here and showcase their skills, have the colleges come here and get their names out there. It's just a great opportunity for all parties involved," said Gingrich.
Recruiters and coaches from some 30 schools around the region and beyond attended the event to recruit some of Central Pennsylvania's best. They observed the practice sessions and then had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the swimmers to discuss college opportunities.
Gingrich who attended and swam at the University of Texas knows the recruitment process far too well and has some advice for swimmers looking to make the jump.
"They have the opportunity to come here, talk to coaches, hear what coaches have to say and it's a good learning experience," said Gingrich. "I think a lot of times the recruiting process is like social media, it's a highlight real. The athletes are showing off their best selves, colleges are showing off their best selves. Take a step back and really see where you are going to be truly happy."
The full interview with Leah Gingrich: