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 . One challenge I faced in high school was , I had an injury , and I didn't really know how to talk to coaches about that . I realized that the best way to talk about it was to be transparent , um , as to let them know about my injury , and as well to let them know kind of about The physical therapy I was doing , what I was doing with my coaches , with dry land and my lift coaches , I think that was all really helpful for them to know , going in , so they could see that I was working hard , even if it might look a little different .
I realized that the best way to talk about it was to be transparent , um , as to let them know about my injury , and as well to let them know kind of about The physical therapy I was doing , what I was doing with my coaches , with dry land and my lift coaches , I think that was all really helpful for them to know , going in , so they could see that I was working hard , even if it might look a little different . Um , I think another challenge I had was I actually transferred to Northwestern , and so , when I was transferring , it was a bit challenging to find a school that was the right fit for me , but I think If you know a place isn't right for you , being able to take that extra step , reach out to coaches was really helpful . Um , so when I was recruited in high school , it started right before my junior year , the summer before my junior year , and I think one thing that was really important was just keeping my Options open , talking to a lot of different coaches at a lot of different schools .
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 .
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 . One challenge I faced in high school was , I had an injury , and I didn't really know how to talk to coaches about that .
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 .
