April 7, 2009
What has been your most memorable moment on the USD Swimming and Diving team?
The dual meet against LMU last season when our backstroke powerhouse took a 1st -2nd -3rd-and-4th place sweep in the 200yard backstroke. I remember the four of us: me, Aileen, Sam and Rachael jumping out of the pool, looking up at the score board, leaping around and screaming in a group hug, it was so thrilling and exciting, rewarding and just awesome! Then we got to go to Knott's Berry Farm afterwards and that was a good way to end the trip up to LA.
How many years have you been swimming or diving?
Well, I've been swimming since the age of 3, competitively since 5. My parents wanted to make sure I knew how to swim at a young age and I guess when I started winning blue ribbons, they saw that I had a natural knack for it.
Who has been the most influential person in your life pertaining to swimming or diving?
My dad has been the most influential person in my life. When I was younger, when all the other kids got money or rewards for best times/swims, my dad motivated me by telling me that using my gift would bless God. When I was a little older, he reminded me of that blessing and how I could show others God's provision. In high school, my dad prayed that God's greatness would provide an opportunity for his daughter to swim at a NCAA Division I school; now, my dad thanks God he doesn't have to drive me to practices or meets anymore. Love you Dad!
What has been your proudest achievement so far in the sport of swimming or diving?
One achievement that sticks out to me is being USD's Swimmer of the Year consequitively for two years now, not because it gives me notoriety or celebrates my achievement on the team but I am so honored as to have the consideration and respect of the coaching staff and the team to be named swimmer of the year, it really is humbling.
How have you changed since you first begun swimming or diving?
Oh I have changed astronomically-- more so mentally than physically, but that's not to say that I have never had broad shoulders like I do now. I think the mentality of being a college athlete really should be the fundamental basis upon which everything else (training methods, nutrition, strength performance, etc) builds on. I try to really enjoy every race that I've swum and try to be aware of the responses I have in certain competitive situations, like, the times I am really pumped up, need to be pumped up, at peace or the times that I need to calm my nerves...It's all a learning process and there's always a next time to do something better.
What is your most embarrassing moment as a swimmer or diver prior to USD or as a Torero?
HaHa, My freshman year at Speedo Cup (now Nike Cup) I made it to the finals in the 200 yard backstroke and the heat had been reseeded but I didn't check because it was right before my race and I didn't want to push and shove from one side of the pool to the other to get behind my block so as the whistle blew, signaling for us to jump in the water, I jumped in and a girl from another team started cussing and yelling and was really freaked out...turns out, I jumped in her lane and she had a fit. I kept my cool and I swam to my lane and all's well that ends well, I finished 3rd and beat her. so embarrassing.
What is the biggest difference between swimming or diving at the collegiate level and your prior experience in high school or on a club team?
College swimming is kind of a mix of a high school team and a club team. You represent the school you attend, but you swim at high-level intensity and at major competitions with nationally acclaimed swimmers.
What goals have you set, either in the past or currently today, for yourself to achieve in swimming or diving?
As for right now, I want to train hard and well which means that I have to push it at every practice but also take care that I am doing what I need to prepare myself for the next practice-- sleep, nutrition, making sure I get my homework done so I don't have to worry about it the next day...but for near future goals, I want to place 3rd in the 200 back and 4th in the 100 backstroke at Conference Finals and hopefully place in a third event (the 500 free Mike?)
Describe what it's like on a road trip with USD? What are some fun places the team has been, and what was your favorite event?
Trips with the girls are nothing but awesome!...except the time during my freshman year we woke up at 3 in the morning to drive to San Luis Obispo to compete the same day, but looking back, the memories are always fun to talk about. We are, by far, the most spirited team in the Western Athletic Conference...so Conference is always an event to remember. A team favorite, at any time of the year is watching LOVE ACTUALLY, and we quote the movie ALL the time. Not to mention, trips to Knott's Berry Farm, camping trips, trips to Northern Arizona...it's all so much fun.
When you graduate, do you plan to remain involved in swimming or diving in any way?
Oh I for sure will swim to keep fit, I really can't do any other sport that involves running or hand-eye coordination involving a round object-- that pretty much rules out everything except skiing and underwater basketweaving. Swimming will always be a part of my being and hopefully I'll find a way to come back and cheer on future Toreros!
