Lute Salute Series

TACOMA, Wash. - From Kent, Washington, Pacific Lutheran University senior Jared Toschi is grateful for the four years of memories from his time as a Lute swimmer. 
 

Hometown: Kent, Wash.

Highlights: Chi Alpha Sigma Inductee NWC All-Academic 20-11 dual meet record

Toschi's favorite swimming memories are racing the 500 yard freestyle at the 2019 NWC Championships and the one mile at the 2020 NWC Champs. He also fondly remembers the many hours spent in the PLU pool swimming hard sets alongside his teammates. 
 
Toschi believes swimming has prepared him to, "always work hard and never make excuses for my mistakes." Swimming is a sport where success in races is 100% based on the athlete's individual effort, and Toschi has learned how to trust his abilities to train hard and reach his goals.

"Matt Sellman and all of my assistant coaches during my time here have taught me to never settle for mediocrity and always find ways to improve and innovate my swimming," Toschi said. "They gave me the keys to success and pushed me to not only be a good swimmer, but a good friend and hard worker in the classroom."

Toschi is also thankful to his teammates for pushing him during hard workouts and holding him accountable. His teammates are, "a second family" and some of his best friends.

In the pool, Toschi helped the Lutes compile a 20-11 dual meet record over the past four seasons, including a 19-9 mark against NWC foes. That includes an impressive 10-3 record in home dual meets, including a 99-82 dual win over crosstown rival University of Puget Sound on Jan. 23, the Lutes lone home meet of the abbreviated 2021 season. 

Through the PLU swim team, Toschi is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and a swim coach with Special Olympics. Off the pool deck, Toschi enjoys having rousing discussions in his political science courses that analyze policy and brainstorm new ideas to provide equal opportunities for everyone. 

Toschi plans to enroll in the PLUS year and will graduate with degrees in Political Science and Communications with an emphasis in Strategic Communications. He will pursue a career with a lobbying firm or working for political campaigns.