Coaches of any sport at any level know that athletics can be unpredictable—anything can happen. But for West Jordan swimming coach Sara Mitchell, she can always count on Garrett Draper. 

Draper, a junior, is the consummate teammate and has everything a coach would want: a positive attitude, an undeterred work ethic, a focused mindset, a zeal for the sport and a love for his teammates. The 50-yard freestyle is his top event. Last season in the Class 5A state meet, he took first in the Unified Division. He swims other events too and does whatever his team needs. 

Mitchell said Draper is an excellent example for the other Jaguar swimmers. 

“Garrett brings a very special enthusiasm and energy to our team,” Mitchell said. “He is the first to dive in for practice in the morning. He is committed to every aspect of the swim team. He pushes himself during practice, swimming with the faster swimmers so he can become faster himself. Garrett listens to feedback and immediately applies it to his strokes. In a short time, he has improved from a complete beginner to a proficient and speedy swimmer. I love that Garrett is game for anything; if he can swim it legally, he’s willing to try it. From the 50s to the 500, on relays or individually, he is so determined to give every race his all.”

Draper has been swimming since age 7 when he joined the Otter Club through the Salt Lake County adaptive recreation program. Last year, as a sophomore, he became part of the West Jordan team. 

Swimming helps Draper to work hard to be his best, he said. 

“I have always loved water,” he said. “It has calming elements. I keep swimming because of the challenge of it; you can always improve your stroke and always get faster.” 

In the pool, Draper has challenges that most of his peers don’t face. He has autism, which can sometimes make competing difficult, but he doesn’t let that define who he is as a person or a swimmer. 

“One challenge I face is jumping off the block,” Draper said. “While it may not seem high for some swimmers, for me having a fear of heights it is high. But through the support of coaches and helping me practice, I have learned to face that fear and jump off the block. Routine and planning ahead is important to me. When the heat sheet gets changed or an event cancelled or added, it is a challenge for me to adjust. But once again, my coaches and teammates support me in helping me know what events have changed. Having some sensitivity to textures, wearing a tight cap and suit took some getting used to, but now it is easy. During a meet the pool can get really loud with all the cheering. Sometimes this is exciting, but sometimes it can make me anxious. I take deep breaths to help me feel calm.”  

Draper is grateful to have so many people in his corner who look out for him. As a swimmer, this includes his coaches and teammates. 

“To be successful in overcoming these challenges, I do my best to plan ahead, practice and identify people I can go to when I need support like the coaches, team captains and
my teammates.” 

Draper loves being a member of the West Jordan swim team. He enjoys the camaraderie and unity the Jaguars have. Draper spends a lot of time with his teammates in the pool at meets and practices, but he also has fun with them away from the sport. 

“My teammates are the best thing about being on the West Jordan swim team,” he said. “I like hanging out with them.” 

Mitchell said the team wouldn’t be the same without Draper. She and the other Jaguars admire how hard he works and how much he has developed as a swimmer the past two years. 

“Garrett makes such a difference on our team,” Mitchell said. “His peers admire his determination, his work ethic and his focus. Garrett cheers on his teammates and stays positive. The improvements he makes in his technique and his times inspire all of us. I’m so excited to take him to state again and watch him defend his 5A state champion title.” 

Humility is another trait that Draper exudes. He has a simple answer for what he brings to the team and the important role he plays for the Jaguars. 

“I show up,” he said. “I am always at practice, workouts and meets, ready to give my best and cheer on my team.”

The Class 5A state meet is Feb. 14 and 15 at Brigham Young University. Leading up to those two big days, Draper and his West Jordan teammates are doing their best to drop times and qualify for the meet. 

Draper still has another season for the Jaguars after this one. He’s looking forward to being a senior and continuing his swimming career. He already has some big plans for
the future. 

“After high school I plan to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” he said. “When I am done with my mission, I want to learn more about culinary arts or horticulture.”

Until then, expect Draper to continue setting the pace for the Jaguars with his attitude and determination. He is sure to be among the first to congratulate teammates and celebrate their successes as they celebrate his.  λ