PHOENIX, Arizona, October 31. FIVE-star prospect Thomas Santoli of the Class of 2009 is next up in our Swimming World College Recruit Rankings Profile series. Santoli swims for SwimMAC-Carolina and preps at North Mecklenburg.
Santoli, who updates his profile in the Swimming World College Recruit Rankings powered by Take Your Marks on a regular basis, has a U.S. Olympic Trials cuts in the 200-meter free (1:51.34) and 400-meter free (3:59.98).
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Where and when did you start swimming?
Potomac, Md., with a summer league team called Potomac Woods when I was five years old.
Who would you name as the most influential person and coach in your swimming career?
I don't think I could name one person or coach as the most influential person throughout my entire swimming career. Training under about 10 different coaches throughout my career, I've learned something new from each coach. Outside the pool, of course, my friends and family have helped me along the way with their consistent support and encouragement.
What, to this point, is your best moment in the sport and why?
During the summer 2007 Juniors, I got my first Olympic Trial qualifying time in the 200 free which got me on the National Junior Team trip to Melbourne, Australia. Being on such a ridiculously fast team with a bunch of great guys gave me a good taste for the National Team scene and my first international competition.
Walk us through practice:
6:00 Wake up for school
6:35 Leave for North Meck
2:15 Leave school for practice
2:15-3:30 Get a snack and stretch before drylands
3:30-4:30 Drylands
4:30-7 Swimming
7:15 Go home
7:30-9 Dinner, Homework, TV
9:00 Sleep
What is your favorite set?
Any kind of pull set, I love pulling
What is your least favorite set?
IM sets, my breaststroke is God awful
What are your short-term goals?
Help my high school win states for the first time in decades, and make a decision for school next year.
What are your long-term goals?
Win an individual and team title at NCAAs and make the 2012 Olympics
What colleges are you interested in so far?
Virginia, Princeton, North Carolina, California, Stanford and Texas
How is the recruiting process going?
It's been a fun but tiring process. I'm taking all 5 trips along with one unofficial, so it has been a busy fall. But, it has been great getting to see such a variety of schools, and it's given me a good perspective of the college life and what I want in a school/team.