For Luke Bunnell, early mornings are a way of life. By 5 a.m., his day starts. Four days a week, he’s up, gathering gear and heading to the pool. By 5:45, Bunnell is already in the water, pushing through laps until 6:45. But his favorite part comes after the grind: homemade breakfasts provided by parents, each taking turns to supply fuel for the day ahead.
Even though the routine sounds dreadful, Bunnell finds motivation in the feeling that follows. “It makes me feel very accomplished,” he says, acknowledging that practice isn’t always easy, but the reward is worth the effort.
Bunnell’s path began in Ypsilanti, where he lived until the age of four. Soon after moving to Ann Arbor, swimming became a fixture in his life. Starting with summer leagues at five or six, he joined club swimming by eight, a commitment that carried him into high school. Now, balancing school, sports, and other responsibilities demands discipline. “I’m in the pool for about three and a half hours a day,” Bunnell explains, “so staying on top of all my work is key. I make sure I don’t have much left to do when I get home. Getting to bed early is really important, too.”
Though Water Polo, Bunnell’s Main Sport, is only in the summer, he still keeps swimming in the winter. “Swim team just keeps me in shape in the winter” staying in peak condition year round is Key for Bunnell’s success. If it weren’t for the swim team, he says, water polo would still be his primary focus.
Reflecting on how the sport has changed him, Bunnell shares its lasting impact. “It’s kept my dedication and perseverance up,” he shares. “It’s conditioned me to keep going, even when I don’t want to.”
In the pool or out, Bunnell’s drive is remarkable, unmistakable, committed, and always eager to finish up that next lap.
