Swimming unattached for all four years of high school, Alex Goldsmith reached the PIAA championships every year and medaled 7 times (including a gold in the 200 IM his senior year). Alex was a three time All American and an Academic All American. With no school team to compete for or train with, Alex spent the last 10 years of his career with the West Shore YMCA in Camp Hill, PA. At WSY, Alex set numerous team, league, district, and state records while qualifying for winter and summer YMCA Nationals four times each. At the Summer 2002 Long Course Nationals, Alex placed second in the 50 meter butterfly. At the 2004 Short Course YMCA Nationals, Alex helped his 200 yard medley relay team win a national title. Alex was also part of four other medal winning relays, as WSY placed third overall for the team title. Additionally, Alex was named the meet's "outstanding participant" and received a scholarship for his classroom achievements. In 2002, Alex was chosen to train for a week at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Alex was valedictorian of his high school class, and received the Friedman scholarship for outstanding student athletes. Alex was a National Merit Scholarship recipient, and was the captain of the quiz bowl team his senior year. He was a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, wrote for the school papers and the yearbook, and participated in the Youth and Government program. Like his father and grandfather before him, Alex is an Eagle Scout.

Alex's proudest athletic moment was teaming up with one of his best friends to win the national championship in the 200 medley relay. He chose Yale because of its commitment to undergraduate education, the team's unity and pride, and the many "old blue" traditions.