Green Bay, Wis (WFRV) – For as long as Atticus Retzak Krump can remember, swimming has been more than a sport. It’s been a constant, a place of comfort, challenge and growth.
The standout senior at Green Bay Southwest High School first jumped into the pool at just four years old. He didn’t start with big goals or long-term plans. He swam simply because he loved it.
That love eventually carried him from the YMCA to Green Bay United, where the sport began to test him physically, mentally and emotionally.
As he grew, so did his role in the pool. Krump started as a backstroker, shifted to distance freestyle in high school, and then faced another turning point when an injury during his junior year forced him to adapt once again.
“I was thrown into the 500 freestyle, then I got injured last year,” Krump said. “I switched to breaststroke, and now I’m a 200 IM-er.”
What could have slowed him down instead reshaped him. Krump said the injury taught him lessons that reach far beyond swimming.
“The main thing it’s taught me is mental toughness,” he said. “Learning to keep pushing when you’re hurting. That’s a really good skill to have for school, work, and life in general.”
That same discipline defines who Krump is outside the pool. Along with swimming, he balances a demanding academic schedule and leadership roles. He serves as vice president of the National Honor Society, advocates for a student mental health group and gets involved wherever he can.
“I’ve bounced around between a lot of different activities,” Krump said.
But through every season, setbacks, and success, one dream never changed.
“My dream for as long as I can remember has been to go to the U.S. Naval Academy,” Krump said.
That dream began in fifth grade, when his grandfather first introduced him to the academy. iIt was a moment that left a lasting impression.
“I fell in love with it,” Krump said.
This year, that lifelong goal became reality when Krump earned acceptance to the Naval Academy.
“I felt happiness, relief, and excitement,” Krump said. “A lot of really good emotions.”
The moment meant just as much to his grandfather, whom Krump calls his biggest role model.
“He told me he’s proud of me,” Krump said. “That meant everything.”
In the pool, Krump’s impact goes well beyond times and finishes. His coach, Terry Kreuser, said his leadership and work ethic set the standard for everyone around him.
“He has a work ethic second to none, almost to his detriment,” Kreuser said. “He’s an incredible leader.”
That leadership shows up in the way Krump supports his teammates, Kreuser added.
“One of his best traits is making sure everyone feels wanted and needed,” Kreuser said.
Krumps teamtes say they feel his support every day.
“Atticus is an amazing captain,” teammate Evan Maloney said. “He brings the best out in everyone. Even as a senior and captain myself, I still look up to him.”
As Krump prepares for the next chapter of his life, he hopes his journey serves as reassurance for others still finding their way.
“Just keep working at it when it gets hard,” Krump said. “Keep at it and keep going. It’ll get better.”
