Congratulations to Grade 12 student Dan Dan E., who has just signed a Division 1 (D1) athletic scholarship for swimming.

Dan Dan has been at WAB and swimming with the TigerSharks aquatics program since Elementary School. On Thursday, he became the first WAB athlete to accept a full scholarship to compete at the D1 NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) level. He will be swimming for the University of Evansville Purple Aces.

Don Watson-Brown, Head Coach of WAB’s TigerSharks swim team, said his story is not one that started with Dan Dan as an early stand-out or having guaranteed success. It’s one of working hard through trying times.

“Where many swimmers and other athletes became demotivated during the pandemic, he used this time to improve himself physically and mentally,” Don said. He began training harder and partnered with the Aussie Athlete Agency, which helps students prepare for Division 1 athletics and academics.

“Dan Dan has basically developed his own strength and conditioning program, which is impressive. A big part of the process is keeping up academic grades. He has developed a work ethic and psyche that gives him every opportunity to excel both as an athlete at an excellent school, as well as prepare himself academically for life after sport.”

Join us in congratulating Dan Dan!