Chasing The Next – University of Nebraska

Another one down

And today, as a sophomore, I continue to strive for greatness. So far this season, I have earned six top-two finishes in the 100-meter breaststroke and secured additional top-ten placements in the 100-meter freestyle and 200-meter breaststroke. 

Recently, at the 2023 Big Ten Championships, I took down a twenty-seven-year-old school record in the 100-meter breaststroke not once but twice. 

At that very moment, life came full circle. 

My mind wandered back to those years of club swimming, where I would stand in awe of the records that hung in the rafters of the Bob Devaney Sports Center. 

I had always been chasing those times and dreaming of the days that my name, too, would be displayed alongside Husker greats and Olympians such as Penny Heyns and Therese Alshammar. 

I was overwhelmed with feelings of joy, excitement, and an immense sense of pride for the years of hard work and sacrifices that it took to reach this record-breaking moment.

I was honored to reach such a milestone on national television, with my family and friends all watching, and doing so representing the scarlet and cream.   

In the days that have passed, I have taken some time to enjoy the moment and appreciate the incredible accomplishment. 

But I also know that the job is not finished. 

There is much work yet to be done in the time that I have left here at the University of Nebraska. 

While I long to one day have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Trials, for now, I have my sights set on competing in the NCAAs.

So, let’s do this.