Gold Swimmer's Journey Leads to U.S. Military Academy

With high school drawing to a close, Chattahoochee Gold's stellar distance swimmer Bridget O'Shaughnessy had a big choice to make as to where she'd continue her athletic & academic path.

Bridget has now officially announced she's focused on service to country with her commitment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point starting next fall. "Throughout my childhood, I had always held the Academies in the highest regard. West Point is such an amazing academically and athletically driven school and their emphasis on service to the country and leadership is incredible. After lots of careful thought and consideration, I knew that West Point was the experience for me."

As her recruiting process progressed, Bridget believes Army swim coaches were convinced she had a place on the team & the academy. "My biggest values in life are hard work, dedication, teamwork and leadership...I think that the West Point coaching staff picked up on these values and knew that I would fit in perfectly. I am so grateful to them for allowing me such an opportunity, and am so excited to join such a great team!"

Bridget's swim speciality is distance freestyle events. Competing for Woodstock-based club team Chattahoochee Gold, Bridget finished sixth in the long course mile race at the USA Swimming Futures Championship meet in Huntsville, Alabama last summer. Last February, Bridget helped lead Marietta's Lassiter High School to the Girls championship at the GHSA 6A State Meet, finishing 4th in 500 Freestyle and 5th in 200 Freestyle.

At West Point, she has her sights set on swimming in the 500, 1000 & 1650 yard freestyle events. Among Bridget's goals: "...I will definitely be working toward breaking team records in the distance events, as well as scoring at Patriot League Championships, qualifying for NCAAs, and most importantly beating Navy!"

Bridget is thankful to her swim coaches who helped her achieve her goal of competing in NCAA Division 1, including Coach Ray Benecki with The Fish in Northern Virginia, Coach Mike Wardwell (formerly with Chattahoochee Gold, now with SCAT in Peachtree City) and her current coach, Gold's Austin Sumrall who says "We’re thrilled for Bridget and her selection of the United States Military Academy at West Point! She will be an excellent match for such a selective school, and they’re fortunate to have her. Go Army!"

In the classroom at West Point, Bridget's considering majoring in Defense & Strategy or Pre-Law with a minor in Grand Strategy. She says, "Once a cadet graduates from the Academy, they are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and are expected to serve at least five years active duty and 3 years in Reserves and have the option of continuing their career in the Army or may return to civilian life after that time. I am so honored by the opportunity to serve our country, that my current plan is to serve for as long as I can, beyond the required term.

I’d like to say a special thank you to my parents and sisters for their endless love and support throughout this process, I could not have made this decision without them, and am so thankful for their further support as I continue on this journey."

goldswim.com