Less than 2% of athletes receive Division I scholarships, but for junior Ridlee Parkhurst, that’s not a problem.
“Right now my top choice is (the) University of Idaho, a Division I program, and I’m hoping to go on a college visit this coming fall,” she said.
Parkhurst has been swimming since she was young and has swam on multiple club teams throughout her years, training and training. Over time, that early love for the sport turned into a serious commitment with year-round practices, meets and a focus on constant improvement in every event.
In 2025, Parkhurst qualified for state in every single event, and she has done it again this year as well.
Her consistency at that level has helped her stand out among competitors, showing not only physical talent but also mental talent to perform under pressure in big moments.
Parkhurst has been in public school up until this school year, where she does online and college classes. The change allowed her to better balance academics with her demanding swim schedule while still staying on track for graduation and college preparation.
“On deciding to do online school, swimming wasn’t the only factor, but it did have a great impact on my choice,” Parkhurst said. “Having two to three workouts a day, it is nice to be able to choose my schedule. I love online school, and it has helped me take my passion for swim to the next level.
“I typically have 13 practices, including lifting, a week. But it varies with the time of year and swim meets during the week.”
Balancing school, practices and competitions takes a large amount of discipline and commitment. Between early mornings with long practices, Parkhurst has dedicated much of her time to improving in the pool and reaching her goals.
This intense dedication is exactly what makes Parkhurst stand out from her peers.
“Ridlee stands out with her work ethic and dedication. Her ability to self-motivate for swimming is pretty unmatched,” girls swim coach Sam Pinkerton said. “She is a hard worker with her willingness and desire to come practice every day and work to the best of her ability. I cannot think of a time when I was questioning whether Ridlee was working hard. I always know she is.”
Her dedication has not only helped her improve individually, but it has also made her a role model for younger swimmers on the team. Teammates look up to the consistency and determination she brings every single day at practice and meets.
With the 2026 season having one more week and the last meets being the AVCTL I meet and state, Parkhurst still has her mind set on what she’ll do at state.
“My plans for the rest of high school season is to enjoy the amazing team that I have and be a leader to the other girls. I am looking to have a lot of fun this season, and I’m excited to see the growth in myself and teammates,” Parkhurst said. “I am hoping to make first team All-State this year and place top four in both of my individual events. I want to carry my momentum from last year and continue to give it my all in every race.”
Even with already accomplishing so much during her swim career, Parkhurst continues to push herself to improve and achieve even bigger goals in the future. Her coaches and teammates believe her determination will continue to take her far both in and out of the pool.
“I seriously see Ridlee achieving whatever she wants to achieve in swimming. She has set her sights high,” Pinkerton said. “But I have no doubts about her willingness to put in what it will take to achieve this.