What Builds a Swimmer Beyond The Pool?
Stephen Seliskar - a Purdue record-holder - shares his journey of family support, elite performance, and the lessons he’d give young athletes today.
A Joyful Start — and a Family All In
For Stephen Seliskar, swimming started as joy. Growing up in McLean, Virginia, he spent summer mornings at the local pool with his younger brother, Andrew, and his dad right there beside them. His father didn’t just drop them off — he jumped in and swam laps too, modeling the discipline and presence that would shape Stephen’s approach to life.
By the time Stephen was 10, swimming had become more than just fun. He was traveling for national competitions, earning top 16 rankings in the country, and balancing all of it with school and other sports. Through it all, his family was there — his parents organizing logistics, his grandfather cheering at nearly every meet. It wasn’t just Stephen’s journey; it was theirs too.
The Drive to Compete — and the Wisdom to Balance
Stephen’s competitive streak took him to Nation’s Capital Swim Club (NCAP), where he trained alongside the best swimmers in the region. He excelled at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a demanding academic environment where student-athletes were rare. Despite the pressure, he stayed grounded. His parents had always encouraged big-picture thinking — swimming would open doors, but education and character would define him.
That mindset carried him to Purdue University, where he quickly made his mark. He became the first Purdue freshman since 2006 to qualify for the NCAA Championships in the 200 medley relay. By his junior year, he set a school record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 47.42 during the Big Ten Championships and helped lead the team to a 4th place finish, one of the best in program history.
His proudest moment, though, didn’t come from his own races. It came years later, watching his younger brother, Andrew, qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics — a moment he described as “our moment” as a family.
The Transition Out of Sport
Stephen’s swimming career quietly wound down after missing individual qualification for NCAAs during his senior year. There was no dramatic ending — just senior celebrations, mentoring younger teammates, and preparing for what came next. After graduation, he took a month off — the first time in years he’d had no schedule or obligations.
He moved to Dallas, found work as an aquatic designer and engineer, and stayed close to the swimming community in a new way. But leaving behind the structure and intensity of competitive swimming wasn’t easy. It took time to redefine fitness, rebuild routines, and find new challenges.
Reflection and Advice for Athletes and Parents
Stephen is proud of his swimming career — but in hindsight, there are things he wishes he’d had, and things he encourages parents and young athletes to think about:
Prepare early for the mental and academic demands of college athletics. The shift is big. Helping young athletes learn time management, study habits, and how to prioritize mental health before they arrive on campus makes a difference.
Don’t underestimate the importance of nutrition and recovery. Stephen admits that he overlooked these in high school and college. Proper fueling and rest are just as important as training hard.
Support your child as a whole person, not just an athlete. His parents and grandparents never let him forget that swimming was part of life — not all of it. That foundation gave him perspective when the sport ended.
Help them redefine challenge. After sport, finding ways to push yourself mentally and physically can help maintain purpose and fulfillment.
What He’d Tell His 15-Year-Old Self
Looking back, Stephen emphasizes the importance of recovery and balance. If he could talk to his younger self, he’d remind him to fuel well, rest intentionally, and treat recovery as part of the work — not an afterthought.
What About You?
💬 Are you raising or coaching an elite swimmer? What lessons have shaped their journey — or yours? We’d love to hear your story.
📩 Know a parent or athlete who needs this? Share it with them.
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