Smart swimming his way into VC records

For varsity swim captain Jack Smart '12, swimming is in his blood. His mother was a member of the national water polo team and was a swim coach throughout his childhood, so it was only natural that Smart grew up swimming, whether at the pool or at the beach in his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Smart began competitively swimming through his neighborhood club team at the age of six. In an emailed statement, Smart joked, "When I was 10 I was the Hawai'i State Champion in breaststroke, and...it's been downhill ever since." He played water polo and swam for two years in high school but found that theater began to overshadow athletics. Even still, swimming heavily influenced his college selection as he began to eliminate schools with inadequate aquatic facilities. "I knew that whether or not I was going to compete on my college's team, I desperately needed to be able to sustain my chlorine addiction," Smart explained.

"It's funny to think my choice of school came down to either Vassar or UCLA," Smart said. "I imagine I wouldn't be doing much competitive swimming at UCLA right now, and my college experience would be rather different."

In fact, Smart has found that his experience swimming for Vassar has profoundly impacted his college life. He spoke fondly of a strong bond with his teammates, whom he sees as a second family, as well as the confidence that their closeness has afforded him. "There's something very fulfilling about spending almost 20 hours a week soaking in chlorine with a group of hard-working, half-naked people who are willing to push you," Smart commented. "Swimming will probably be the most memorable highlight of my college career because of the friends I've made."

From the beginning, Smart has found this sense of community to be very powerful. As a freshman, Smart watched the entire team cheer on a junior swimming his last race before going abroad. Of that moment, Smart said, "I think that was probably the moment I knew I was surrounded by people who would support and welcome me unconditionally."

One of Smart's favorite moments swimming for Vassar is his record-breaking 400 freestyle relay race at the most recent state championship. Even in breaking a 15-year old record, Smart treasured the team celebration over his individual triumph: "Their cheers as we walked out for the final were louder than any other team's. I still get chills thinking about that." Smart also holds school records in the 200 breast, 200 individual medley, 400 individual medley as well as in a number of more relay events.

Though Smart acknowledged that his position as captain comes with certain social challenges, he has risen to the occasion, paying attention to and discovering his teammates' strengths both in and out of the pool. "I think solid leadership entails relentless positivity and a genuine interest in the achievements of every member of the team," Smart wrote. He added, "A sense of humor also comes in handy. Ultimately, I'm trying to provide the kind of support I have been given over the past three years. I owe to the [Vassar College Swimming and Diving] community the same unwavering friendship I've been lucky enough to count on."

Smart hopes to possibly break a few more records during the current season, but his goals for the year are not limited to the record board. As captain, Smart is making a point of "creating the same kind of positive atmosphere I've enjoyed since my days as an innocent freshman."

Though Smart hopes to pursue an occupation relating to his English and drama double major, he finds it likely that he will be in a teaching or coaching position after Vassar.

As Smart explained, "It's in my blood."