Where did you go to college and what sport did you play? I was a swimmer at Drury University in Missouri.
What made you want to come to the US? I really wanted to combine my swimming and my college degree and America is the only place where your academic schedule does not interfere with your sports training. Also, American colleges have top notch infrastructure that gave me the opportunity to swim in the best pools, lift in the best gyms, and be coached by some of the best coaches in the sport.
What do you enjoy the most about helping young athletes with the transition of coming to college? I enjoy helping athletes come to the United States because it was a dream of mine to come over here and I remember how hard it was to prepare all the paperwork and to find the right school. It makes me happy when I can share my experience with young athletes and guide them through the recruiting process all while avoiding any potential mistakes they could make. My favorite part is then to watch them compete at dual meets or at the national championship. I always emphasize that the United States college experience is the most unique and memorable experience you will ever have.
What is your favorite memory from your time in college? My favorite memory are definitely the swim meets, specifically the national championship when my team broke the team record in the 400 medley relay. I was swimming the third leg butterfly and it was such a great experience. Normally when you are in the water you can never hear people cheering for you, but this time during the whole race I could hear my entire team screaming every time I raised my head above water. I ended up improving my 100 fly time by a second. The energy of college swimming cannot be matched!
What is the best advice you can give to a young athlete who is looking to come to college? The best advice is to make informed decisions. In other words, there are so many processes and applications that you need to complete correctly, so you really need to know what to do. One little mistake in the process can cost you your dream of coming to the United States. That is why it is so beneficial to have someone like us by your side to guide you through the recruiting process. For those athletes who are already in the US, I recommend connecting with as many people as you can and to be active. Show up to class, show up to student events, go support other sports teams on campus! It will help you have the full experience and make lifelong friends with memories that you will cherish forever.
Is there something you did not like about your time in college? Honestly, there were so many positives that I have a hard time remembering anything negative.
What are some of the most common mistakes you see athletes make when they get to the US? Sometimes I see that athletes neglect their relationships with their coaches, with their teammates and with their professors, even though those are so important! It is crucial to be respectful and open minded when it comes to the relationships with people that you will spend the next four years with. I have seen athletes argue with their coach during their freshman year which put their college swimming success in question. In other words, be respectful to the people who welcomed you with open arms and who gave you this opportunity. Prove yourself with fast swimming times and not by arguing with others!
Who is your favorite sports team? My favorite two teams are the swim teams at the University of California Berkeley and at the University of Texas
Who is your favorite athlete of all time? My favorite athletes of all time are Anthony Ervin, Caeleb Dressel and Michael Phelps
What is your favorite city or state in the United States? So far my favorite city has been Denver, Colorado! I plan to visit many more cities in the next few months and plan to go to Austin in Texas and Miami in Florida next!
