Jacob Cairns

Chief Data Officer & Consultant

Growing up in the San Diego area, I trained across multiple sports at a high level, but swimming became the one that truly shaped me. It opened doors I never expected and taught me how to balance the demands of athletics, academics, and long-term planning. The discipline I gained through the sport continues to drive how I perform—both in the pool and in my academic and professional pursuits.

My Journey

Unlike many athletes who specialize early, I took a different route. I explored a wide range of sports through my early years and did not commit to swimming full-time until the end of my sophomore year. That decision unlocked my potential. Within one year of focused training, I achieved Winter Junior National cuts. Soon after, I qualified for Summer Junior Nationals and the U.S. Open, milestones that affirmed I belonged at the highest levels of the sport.

When evaluating college options, I looked for a program that could challenge me both academically and athletically. UC San Diego offered the right balance: a top-tier research institution with a competitive NCAA Division I swim team. I’ve been able to drop time in both the 100-yard backstroke and 200-yard butterfly while pursuing my academic interests in business and healthcare. More importantly, I’ve found a tight-knit, high-performing team culture that continues to push me forward.

What I Bring to Lane Line Recruiting

As Chief Data Officer, I combine my analytical mindset with firsthand experience in high-performance sport. I focus on identifying trends, refining outreach strategies, and using data to help our athletes maximize their recruiting opportunities. I understand the challenges of making a late shift to swimming and know what it takes to catch up—and stand out.

Swimming Accolades

  • University of California, San Diego Men’s Swimming & Diving team.

  • 2024 Toyota U.S. Open qualifier.

  • Speedo Winter Junior Championship finalist.

  • Speedo Futures Championship medalist.

  • NISCA All American

Professional Certifications & Memberships

  • Front Office Sports, Athlete Marketing Essentials, NIL Certification

  • Front Office Sports, Sports Marketing Essentials

Education

  • B.Sc. Business Economics, University of California, San Diego, Expected May 2028