Hometown: McLeansboro, IL,
Class: Junior
Major: Exercise Science
Sport: Swim
What events do you usually swim, and what are your favorites?
I usually swim the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle. Every once in a while, Coach will put me in the 100 fly or 100 back, but my favorite events are the 50 and 100 free.
How have you been preparing this offseason for your first meet?
The team has been swimming in the pool once or twice a day and lifting three days a week. We’ve added in some other cardio workouts as well. Since we swim for 7 months of the school year, it can be mentally draining and overwhelming, so mental preparation is essential.
As one of the three upperclassmen on the team, what is your role helping the underclassmen adjust to a new team?
This first month and a half, Coach has really been pushing us hard. Often the underclassmen are overwhelmed with the intensity of practices, how they’re doing in their classes or how they’re able to balance such a busy schedule. But they have been doing great this season. Swimming isn’t just physical, but mental. Encouraging them in the pool, in the classroom and spiritually is something I enjoy doing.
What goals do you have for yourself this year?
This year I hope to make my national cuts in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle. I also hope to break a school record…but we’ll see.
What are you looking forward to most in the meet coming up in Louisville on the 8th?
As we’re getting closer to our first meet in Louisville, I’m most excited to see how the freshman do in their events and in the relays. It’s fun being able to get to know them and see the strengths they bring to the team.
