Prep Talk
Record-setting Prep swimmer Shane Washart ’21 bound for Harvard, Olympic Trials
Posted March 11th, 2021
Humble and driven, Shane Washart, a Prep senior and Olympic hopeful has raced his way to the opportunity to compete at Blodgett Pool representing Harvard University. However, before the Wenonah, NJ native gets to call Cambridge, Massachusetts home, he recently added to his legacy at the Prep by becoming the new Hermits Swimming record-holder in the 500m free with a time of 4:32.30.
Shane’s love for the pool began at the age of 3 and soon thereafter, he became enamored with the mental strength required to succeed in such a demanding sport. The need to push oneself to new heights and the daily challenges posed to every competitive swimmer only strengthened the bond between the future Ivy Leaguer and the pool. The discipline and perseverance he has developed through the years have been the keys to his success; but, most importantly, it has also helped him apply the same determination in school and in life. Shane has found winning races to be fun but he also lives for the competitiveness of being on the blocks and knowing every great swimmer has to strive to be as fast as possible.
Seconds after his record-setting performance, senior Shane Washart takes a moment to process what he had just accomplished.
Just as his coaches have helped him work toward his athletic goals, his teachers at the Prep have also been aware of his lofty aspirations and have done everything possible to help Shane achieve them. Undertaking a course schedule including several AP classes, a mixture of the aforementioned mental strength, discipline, and sacrifice has been the secret for Shane excelling in a grueling academic environment while maintaining his Olympic-worthy ability in the pool.
It also helps to have a record-setting older brother, Zach Washart ’17, who has taken the pool at Duke University and was a Prep Swimming star himself. The elder Washart, who was also a National Honor Society member at St. Augustine, not only set the standard for his brother in the classroom but also in Navone Pool as it was Zach’s record in the 500m free that Shane eclipsed a couple of weeks ago. The bloodlines don’t end with Zach and Shane as their sister, Jordan, is currently a member of the Drexel University swim team. She is also a record-setting high school swimmer who did quite well in the classroom herself earning four consecutive years on the Headmaster’s List at her alma mater of Bishop Eustace.
The Harvard-bound, Olympic hopeful poses for a photo following his record-breaking race in the 500m Free. Washart will be taking part in the 2021 Olympic Trials.
The individual accomplishments have piled up throughout Shane’s high school career but he became most animated when he spoke about his experience at the Prep – most specifically his bond with his teammates and classmates. “The whole culture of the Prep has truly helped. You get a special type of environment at high school meets because you’re trying to beat the other team and you’re surrounded by your classmates and teammates. It makes you just love the Prep even more because you form such a special brotherhood with all your classmates.”
With only a handful of races left in his high school career, the Harvard commit is still focused on breaking a few more records but is extremely grateful to have his name placed amongst some of the greatest swimmers in Prep history. As for what he is most proud of throughout his time at St. Augustine, he stated without hesitation, “While I’ve gotten a lot faster in the pool, I’ve also grown closer with my teammates. The friendships with my Hermit Brothers are what I will cherish the most.”
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Shane is one of many scholar-athletes who represent St. Augustine Prep in the athletic arena. With over 23 varsity athletic offerings, Hermits Athletics boasts an extensive athletic program that also includes junior varsity and freshman teams in many sports. With 118 acres of property and an Olympic-sized pool, the school is home to many of its own fields and facilities ensuring that all Prep scholar-athletes realize the full measure of their athletic potential. To learn more about joining the Hermit Brotherhood and to set up a tour of the academic and athletic facilities at St. Augustine, visit hermits.com/admissions or email admissions@hermits.com today!
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