I think a lot of times we get really focused on The time and like the final outcome or our place and a race , but I think when you really focus on enjoying the process , enjoying working hard , enjoying getting to be with your teammates every day , that's what makes it so much more fun , as well as you're more likely to have a good outcome in the end . Balancing academics with swimming is definitely a struggle at times , but I have found that , like I mentioned earlier , Northwestern has so many great supports . Um , we have uh academic athletic advisors , we have different tutors , I think reaching out to friends , usually they're upperclassmen who have taken .
I really swim for People and just getting to see them every day . Some of the most important things I focus on my training regimen are executing the details . We have a lot of really difficult practices , and I think focusing on the little things helps keep you mentally engaged during the really challenging sets , as well as progressing , um , From more than just a strength standpoint .
I had an idea of where I wanted to go , both from like a location perspective , as well as some of my priorities related to academics and athletics , but I think it's also really valuable to speak to a range of schools , a range of coaches . Um , because it's just as valuable to realize what you don't like , as well as to realize what you do like . So , I would emphasize keeping an open mind when speaking to coaches and looking at schools .
So , So just being able to give back , um , and bring joy to those kids , teach those kids in any way possible is really valuable to me . I would say my biggest piece of advice is just to be fearless when you reach out to brands and different companies . I think it's normal to get a lot of rejection , especially at first , and it's OK .
Some advice I would give students who are looking to compete at the Division One level is just making sure you're reaching out to coaches , Um , and like I said , presenting yourself in the best manner possible , being very respectful , controlling what you can control , I think is super important . Sometimes we can't always control our performance or at times at the current moment , but one thing you can't always control is your attitude , the way you communicate to coaches , the way you communicate to members of the team . That is incredibly valuable , as at the end of the day , um , I would rather have a teammate who is encouraging and uplifting , um , more than anything else .
