Student Athlete Snapshot

Details

Name: Isaac Smart

US Entry Year: August 2026

Height: 5' 10"

Weight: 135 lbs

Events:

- Breaststroke: 50m, 100m

- Backstroke: 50m, 100m

- Freestyle: 50m, 100m

- Butterfly: 50m

- Individual Medley: 100m

Hometown: Crystal Brook, SA Australia

MEDIA & GALLERY

Personal Statement

Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about showing up for others, pushing past your limits, and remembering who helped you get there. Fuelled by a deep passion for basketball, the opportunity to travel to the USA is more than just a new chapter for me—it’s a chance to grow both as an athlete and an individual. My primary goal is to play basketball at the highest level I can. I am focused on maintaining my physical health and avoiding distractions that could hinder my performance. I am eager to be part of a team that values mutual respect, where everyone pushes each other to excel.

For me, basketball is not just about individual performance but about collaboration, creativity, and finding solutions to challenges. I like to think creatively, approaching problems with fresh perspectives and using that skill to constantly evolve, both as a player and as a person.

Alongside my athletic ambitions, I am passionate about helping young people find their way through coaching, volunteering and mentoring younger players. I lift others by helping them set goals and adjusting to change, focus on their lifestyle, and build self-confidence. As an aspiring teacher, I will guide students to be resilient and to make positive life choices as when we support each other, everyone succeeds. I make it a point to give back to my community.

Whether it's attending former teammates' games, sitting on the bench to offer coaching support, or helping facilitate at NBL and NBL1 games, I’m always ready to show up for others, just as they’ve shown up for me.

Student Name

What drives me most is the desire to exceed my own expectations, to achieve things I once thought were out of reach. I’m motivated by strong relationships from my network of teachers, peers, coaches, and mentors. I’ve learnt that success is a collective effort, and the thrill of reaching new heights is even greater when shared with others. I will bring dedication, punctuality, and professionalism to my college and team. I am committed to fostering a positive, supportive environment, encouraging others to give back and promoting goodwill within the team and college community. I am excited by the opportunity to lead with purpose, staying focused and grounded, and keeping my goals clear, despite any distractions.

I am fortunate to have a powerful base of family support. From my grandparents, I learned the importance of perseverance, empathy, and never giving up. When I chose basketball as my passion, my Dad dove in alongside me, learning and growing with me every step of the way. His belief in my potential—especially when I took the non-traditional path of attending Sports College SA and applying to study in the USA—has always inspired me to dream big and realise anything is possible. We play together in a senior men’s league with some of my past coaches and friends, which keeps me grounded and allows me to give back to those who supported me as a junior and taught me my craft. I’m excited to carry their lessons with me as I take this next step in my journey, knowing that my support network will continue to be a driving force in my pursuit of excellence.

Athletic Accomplishments & Honours

Year 12 - 2025

  • Gladstone High School Swimming Carnival Open Boys Winner

  • Gladstone High School Swimming Carnival Records obtained in 50m Backstroke 33.01, 50m Breaststroke 36.85, 100m Individual Medley 1:14.68 ; 50m 27.77; Freestyle 100m Freestyle 1:00.49

  • MNSEC Swimming Carnival Open Boys Winner

  • MNSEC Records obtained in 50m Backstroke 31.75; 50m Freestyle 27.06; 100m Freestyle 59.08

  • SA Secondary Schools Swimming - 1st place Open 50m Breaststroke Division 1; 2nd place Open 50m Freestyle Division 1; 3rd place Open 50m Backstroke Division 1 and 100m Freestyle Division 1

Year 11 - 2024

  • Gladstone High School Swimming Carnival Open Boys Winner

  • Gladstone High School Swimming Carnival Records obtained in 50m Backstroke 36.22 – 34.14; 50m Breaststroke 42.12 – 37.93; 100m Individual Medley 1:20.48 – 1:16.02

  • Gladstone High School Athletics Carnival Open Boys Winner

  • MNSEC Swimming Carnival Open Boys Winner

  • SA Secondary Schools Swimming - 2nd place Open 50m Breaststroke Division 1 36.63; 3rd place Open 50m Backstroke Division 1 34.83

  • Crystal Brook Amateur Swimming Club Coaches Trophy 2018/2019; 2020/2021; 2022/2023; 2023/2024

Year 10 - 2023

  • Gladstone High school Swimming Carnival 16&Under boys winner

  • Gladstone High School Swimming Carnival Records obtained in 50m Breaststroke 40.99 – 40.58; 4x25m Freestyle Relay 1:00.16 – 59.05

  • MNSEC Swimming Carnival Open Boys Runner Up

Year 9 - 2022

  • Gladstone High school Swimming Carnival 16&Under boys winner

  • SA Secondary Schools Swimming - 2nd place 12-15yrs 50m Breaststroke Division 2 44.26

Personal Bests:

  • 50m Freestyle – 26.68

  • 50m Breaststroke – 35.05

  • 50m Backstroke – 32.31

  • 50m Butterfly – 31.86

  • 100m Freestyle – 59.58

  • 100m Breaststroke – 01:22.30 (see image right)

  • 200m Freestyle – 02:18.82

  • 200m Breaststroke – 03:27.39

  • 100m Individual Medley – 01:11.56

Recent Results:

Academics

Major: Exercise Science

GPA: 4.0 | SAT: TBA

Year 12

  • House Captian

Year 11

  • Student Leader

  • School Spirit Award – when students care for the dignity of those around them they show respect

Year 10

  • School Spirit Award – is always respectful – greets and thanks for lessons

  • Outstanding Overall Academic Achievement Award for outstanding academic achievement across all subjects

  • Term 2 2023 Academic Excellence Awards in English; Mathematics; Health & PE; Science

  • Term 4 2023 Certificate of Outstanding Academic Achievement for achieving a GPA of 4.5 or higher in 2023

Year 9

  • Junior House Captain

  • Term 1 2022 Outstanding Overall Academic Achievement Award for outstanding academic achievement across all subjects

  • Term 1 2022 Academic Excellence Awards in Agriculture; Digital Media; English; Health & PE; Humanities & Social Sciences; Science; Tech Studies

  • Term 2 2022 Outstanding Overall Academic Achievement Award for outstanding academic achievement across all subjects

  • Term 2 2022 Academic Excellence Awards in Agriculture; English; Digital Media; Health & PE; Humanities & Social Sciences; Science; Tech Studies

  • Term 3 2022 Academic Excellence Awards in Agriculture; Health & PE; Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Term 4 2022 Certificate of Outstanding Academic Achievement for achieving a GPA of 4.5 or higher in 2022

Letters of Recommendation