By Makenzie Miller, Swimming World College Intern
Athletes are taught to set goals at an early age. As a swimmer, we are told to stay focused. “Eat, Sleep, Swim” becomes our mantra.
That’s not the case with top breaststroker Chuck Katis —at least not anymore.
“When I’m not in the pool, I don’t think or talk about swimming – mostly because I don’t have time. In my experience, having something else to focus on that contributes to the world in some way, gives me even more reason and energy to push myself in the water.”
At 22, the recent University of California Berkeley grad runs two businesses: a nonprofit which puts smiles on the faces of seriously ill people and a new start-up which helps out busy, overcommitted college students.
“My days are packed to the brim, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Katis said. “I have an underlying desire to help people and in some way alter the way our world works, even if just a little.”
The All-American swimmer who grew up in Virginia, swam at Harvard for two years where he became the school record holder in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. After transferring to Cal Berkeley in 2014, he helped the Bears cinch two NCAA Championship wins in the 200 and 400 medley relay and became a key contributor individually on the team.
Photo Courtesy: Griffin Scott
Pursuing His Dreams
To Katis, hard work and patience is what swimming—and life—are all about. He attributes his success in the pool and out, to goal setting and pursuing his dreams.
“I’m addicted to setting goals and visions for myself,” Katis said. “I think when I have a very clear vision or goal that I want to be a reality, it drives me to be the best I can be.”
One of his dreams was to go to Harvard. In fifth grade, Katis introduced himself to the very coach who later recruited him to swim at Harvard.
“I shook his hand and told him I would swim for him one day.” And so he did.
At Langley High School, while swimming for Nation’s Capital Swim Club, Katis developed a non-profit organization called “Magic of Miracles.” Katis cultivated an underground team of magicians which brought magic shows to patients in hospitals.
By performing magic, Katis is able to astonish patients with his tricks, helping them get their mind off their illness. He and his team even teach simple tricks and leave behind magic sets, DVDs, and cards for those interested.
“It is my dream to ultimately have one of these patients beat the disease they’re battling, continue to develop their magic, and come perform as a part of The Magic of Miracles team,” Katis said.
Katis developed his interest in magic at the age of six, during a family vacation in Europe. He became enthralled with a street magician. He was hooked on learning magic tricks and started performing for family and friends.
The high-energy athlete relates magic to swimming. To master a trick, you needed to practice it over and over again.
More recently, Katis is turning another dream into a reality by forming a new company called Mentagrate, a knowledge marketplace for college students.
Inspired by his own experience as an overcommitted student-athlete, the organization will help all types of college students with too little time become more successful.
“The more I do, the more energy I gain. I constantly need something to build and focus on and Mentagrate provides me with something away from the pool.”
Katis’ Next Goal
Katis continues to practice under Berkeley’s head coach Dave Durden, training for his next goal– a spot on the Olympic team.
Katis credits all his coaches throughout the years for his swimming success.
“They’ve changed the way I approached things in and out of the pool and helped me become more motivated.”
Still, Katis also admits that family made a huge impact on his swimming, especially his twin sister and number one fan Jayme.
“Chuck pushes me to pursue my dreams and I like to think in return that I am one of his top cheerleaders through business, swimming, and all aspects of life,” Jayme said.
But the most influential person in Katis’ life is his mom, Joanne. She taught him that if he wanted something, then he had to go for it.
“Without her, I probably wouldn’t have gone after everything I wanted to achieve,” Katis said.
For those who want to be champions in swimming and life, Katis has some advice…
“If you love what you’re doing, you push past adversity. Work toward you goals relentlessly. Maintain focus, watch closely, and the world will unlock itself.”