When Zhenman “Max” Shen was just starting school, his parents made him join the Solano Aquatic Sea Otters (SASO) swim team. The team recently merged with DART to form the DART-Solano team, and Shen continues to be part of it. In the meantime, he has been swimming as an Armijo Royal since his freshman year. “My most memorable meet [with Armijo] is my first meet, because it was the first time my 50 freestyle reached under 30 seconds,” Shen said.

“COVID-19 has definitely shortened the season,” he said. “I definitely don’t have enough time to improve my swim time to a point which I like.” The shortened season was followed by the postponed water polo season, and Shen planned to participate in this sport both in the spring and when it resumes in the fall.

He said that he would recommend others, when given the opportunity, to try any sports that interest them. “It’s okay if you are not the best on the team. As long as you try your best, that’s all that matters. Also, sports look good on college applications. “

Shen is equally comfortable in the water and on dry land, and he enjoys participating in both golf and tennis.

While he is not sure if he will keep swimming for his college after he graduates, he does have goals in mind in the classroom. “I hope to go to Stanford University,” he said. “I want to get my Master’s Degree in computer engineering and finance in college.”

While it is clear that he is athletic, that isn’t his only strength. Shen is also philanthropic and creative. “I’m involved with Boy Scouts, volunteer at the food bank, established my own business, am learning new skills online, and play guitar, violin, and piano,” Shen said. “If I could change one thing about Armijo, it would be students would have the feeling of inspired so they would work hard to achieve their goals,” and he has clearly been inspired in man areas.

Shen has one a sister, (Jenny) Shen. She is about eight years old. “My role models are my parents and people such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk,” he said.