INTRODUCTION: You want to win a race as short as the 50-yard freestyle? You better be perfect - in your start, your turn, and your finish. Nicole Gelb has the details.

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When did you first become involved in swimming?  
Age 3
  
What attracted you to it?  
I am a triplet and one day my brothers and I were sitting at the side of the pool dangling our feet in the water.  My brother and I fell in, and didn't know how to swim.  My mom jumped in and rescued us.  From that day forward, we started taking swim lessons. 
 
You qualified for the NCSA Junior Nationals while you studied at The Harley School. Can you describe that experience? 
Since I was a freshman in high school I dreamed of going to the NCSA Junior Nationals meet in Orlando.  The qualifying times were extremely competitive.  My senior year, I was determined to qualify.  Instead of swimming on the women's varsity swim team, I chose to swim on the men's varsity swim team so I would have better competition to reach my goal.  This strategy worked, and I had the swim of a lifetime in the 50 freestyle and qualified to compete in Orlando.  The feeling of success was unbelievable, and I was excited to compete with all of the best swimmers in my event.
 
At the University, you had the best team time in the 50 free and the second best time in the 100. The 50 is a really short race. What's the key to winning a race like that?  
The key to winning the 50 freestyle is being a perfectionist.  There is no room for error in a 50.  There must be a perfect start, turn, and finish to succeed. I mentally prepare myself prior to the race.  I need to know every move I am going to make before entering the water.  This has been a recipe for success since the beginning of my competitive swimming career. 
 
You founded the Golisano Children's Club. What did you do to get it started and what does the Club do for the children?  
The UofR produced a video on my brother's and I which describes what we did.
  
Did you take part in any other sports activities?  
Yes, I played on the school's softball team and a travel team.  I also like to ski and play golf.
 
When you are home, do you work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, serving as an official or a timer? What do you like about doing that?  
I enjoy teaching swim lessons to toddlers, since I feel it is a life skill that everyone needs to acquire.  I personally get a lot of satisfaction out of teaching kids to swim knowing how important this life saving skill is. 
 
What led you to the University of Rochester?  
The video explains why we selected the University.
 
Why did you choose Psychology as your major? 
I chose Psychology as my major with the intent of continuing on to law school when I graduate. 

Are you involved in any campus groups tied to your studies?  
Yes, I am a member of Sigma Delta Tau on campus and I have been introduced to other Psychology and business majors that have been very helpful.  I have also established invaluable relationships with my fellow swim team mates that I will cherish for the rest of my life.