Senior Eden Chuang’s swimming career started in the shallow end as a toddler in “Mommy and Me” swim classes; she has now doved into the deep end towards a future as a collegiate swimmer. In July of 2024, Chuang verbally committed to swim at the United States Military Academy.
Chuang’s recruiting process began slowly because her race times, which she had to email to college coaches, were not up to the standards of most Division I programs. “I really struggled with improving my times sophomore year,” Chuang said. “I got some interest from coaches but it was just a really slow process for me.” Many coaches told her to reach out again to them when she had faster times.
Additionally, Chuang was not completely focused on swimming during her freshman and sophomore years. In addition to swimming for Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics, she ran varsity cross country for Menlo. However, she ultimately decided to focus solely on swimming her junior year.
West Point wasn’t on Chuang’s initial list of schools, but their coach reached out to her in June after her sophomore year — the month Division I swim coaches are allowed to contact prospective athletes. She had a call with them and continued to communicate with them, as well as other colleges, throughout her junior year.
After Chuang’s winter meet, West Point invited her on a visit. She went on a visit in April, and they offered her a spot afterward.
However, she waited to commit for almost three months, because after attending West Point, graduates are required to serve in the United States Army for a minimum of five years plus an additional three years in the reserves. “I wanted to really make sure it was the right school for me because obviously, it’s a big commitment,” Chuang said. “I’m not just committing for four years of my life but nine years.”
She went on a visit to UC San Diego in May to make sure she was okay with giving up the regular college experience. During that visit, Chuang realized how much she was drawn to West Point. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So I was like, ‘I know this is the right place. I’m gonna go,’” Chuang said.
One of the reasons Chuang was drawn to West Point was the opportunities it offers that other colleges don’t. “I feel like I can progress my career much more easily,” Chuang said. Additionally, Chuang believes the leadership experience she will gain from being part of the Army will translate well to the workplace.
Looking toward the future, Chuang is excited about the new environment — and challenges — that West Point will offer her. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, making new friends and just having a new experience in general.”
