Team you are a part of: MAC & East Lansing Master’s Swim
When did you start competitively swimming? I started competitive swimming when I was 8 years old and competed through my second year of college at Ferris State (when they still had a team).
How long have you been in Michigan Masters? I’ve been swimming master’s for about five years.
What is your favorite swim event/race? My favorite race is the 100 breaststroke. Close second favorites are 50 breast and 50 fly, and 200 IM is making it’s way back into my heart after a long time away.
So far, what was your favorite Masters Swim Meet? My favorite meet was 2024 Master’s Spring Nationals in Indianapolis. Overall, I was happy with my races and had a great time at the meet. The Michigan Master’s Nationals Team has such a good vibe, which always makes it easy to feel motivated and inspired. My favorite part of the meet was that it coincided with Olympic Trials. Swimming at the Nat during the day, and then attending Trials every night at the giant pool in the Indianapolis Colts stadium was the absolute best. I was so thankful that the USA Swimming Foundation offered, for an affordable donation, the chance to swim in the Trials Pool with Missy Franklin, Cullen Jones, and Rowdy Gaines. It was really the swim opportunity of a lifetime. I get to say that I swam in the Colts Football stadium in the Olympic Trials pool and that Cullen Jones gave me tips to improve my start. This still amazes me. I’m not sure if it can get any better than that unless they offer it again in 2028.
What is your favorite set? Shout out to Jim Jennings coach of East Lansing Master’s who has written and provided many variations of my favorite set: 4×100 IMs on 2:15 / 4×50 free on 1:00 / 6×100 free on 2:00 / 4×50 stroke-choice on 1:15 / 4×100 on 1:45 / 4×50 free on 1:00 (and there might be a minute break — or not — somewhere in the middle of this.). I really like the variety it offers. It is a tough set but I don’t get mentally bogged down by it because it keeps switching intervals, strokes and distances.
What is something you need to improve or constantly working on in the pool? Breaststroke timing and turns — and this is really the least of the things I should be working on, but it is something that over many years has been an ongoing focus.
What are your big swim goal(s)? To have fun and to regain some confidence racing 200 breast and 200 IM.
Favorite swim Olympian? Allison Schmitt. She is so talented and has done a phenomenal job with raising mental health awareness for swimmers. Allison is an overall positive force in swimming (And she grew up in Michigan.) and just seems to be a truly gifted, genuine person who is inspiring for her accomplishments both in and out of the pool.
What do you like to do outside the pool? I like to stay busy and active, and usually find too many ways to fill my time. I like to run, swim outside, swim open water and triathlon. I also love spending time with my family and friends.
