Danny Ye has made great strides since he first jumped in the pool at 7 years old.

“When I had initially learned how to swim, I did not want to do it. In fact, through the instruction that was given to me, I had gained a fear of swimming. I didn’t want to be near water,” Ye said.

Ye broke through those fears and is now a championship swimmer, both with his club team and the Francis Lewis High School swim team.

Ye is a senior at East-West School of International Studies, but that school doesn’t have a swim team, so he competes for Francis Lewis.

Last season, Ye helped the Patriots finish first place in the division. At the championship meet, he won third place in the 200-freestyle relay and fifth in the 200-medley relay.

“Being able to place and earn medals for those two events at such a high level with all of New York City’s best high school swimmers — I was so proud of that,” Ye said.

Ye spends hours in the pool each night perfecting his form, setting an example for his peers.

“I met that young man around 8 years old and it’s been a great ride to have that kid involved with my program. I think he’s going to impact the world in whatever he chooses to. I think he has, and when I say this I don’t say this lightly, all the potential in the world because at this very young age he holds himself accountable for everything that happens around him and with him,” Orlando Nazario, the coach of Ye’s Metropolitan Swim League Club team, said.

Ye is a leader outside of the pool as well. He attained his Eagle Scout rank last year and in school, serves as president of student government, National Honor Society and the business club.

“It’s a little nonstop, but I definitely love leading others here because everyone here wants to improve the state of the school and everyone is always so willing to lead and take charge. So to be a part of all of this, it’s fulfilling,” Ye said.

Ye balances these extracurricular activities alongside seven advanced placement classes and two college-level courses, setting him up for success at Babson College in the fall.

“They’re ranked number one in the nation for entrepreneurship. So I’m excited to see where my hard work and my creativity can go,” Ye said.