Nov. 6, 2009
Previous Meet the Billikens Q&A's
Brian Brasser
Ariel Hyams
What is your favorite childhood memory? The cherry blossoms in Washington D.C., making very unusual/dangerous (which we didn't think was dangerous at the time) forts in the basement, and going to Mackinac Island
At what point, before coming to SLU, did you start to believe that you could compete athletically at the collegiate level, and why? When I got my junior nationals cut during my sophomore year in high school, because I felt that I was going to keep improving as long as I kept working hard.
What person outside the sports world do you admire most, and why? I really admire both of my parents because they have really made a good life for themselves. Both were Air Force pilots and anything they've ever gotten they have worked hard for it whether its school, their wedding or their careers. Not to mention the fact that even with all of the hard times they went through, they still always find the positive in everything.
What is the most significant way you have changed since coming to SLU? I would like to believe that I have matured, but this is debatable, especially when trying to relax at meets. Although I am terrified about graduating this May, I now believe that I am capable of making it happen, unlike when I came in as a freshman and was completely naive.
Do you think you could ever be a coach, and why or why not? I have coached little kids before, but coaching is just something I have never really wanted to do.
What is the most important thing you've learned from athletic competition? Do not underestimate your opponent or yourself.
What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to discover? My worst fear is drowning. Weird right since I am in water every day, but it is actually a very common fear in many swimmers.
What is your best talent other than your sport? I like to think I am a good dancer, but that's debatable.
What has been your most memorable vacation? For spring break last year, I went with my family to Las Vegas. I am the baby of the family and obviously the last to turn 21, so we decided to go as soon as we could after my birthday.
When someone is visiting your hometown, what is something everyone should see? Either the enormous Buddha outside of one house (it is seriously the height of a house), the famous pyramid or Beale Street, where you have to try the fried pickles and eat some delicious Memphis BBQ
What famous person are you tired of hearing and reading about? Michael Phelps. He is an amazing athlete I admit. But honestly how many commercials and interviews do you really want to hear in a day?
What is your all-time favorite YouTube video? A video called "Blood". A little boy is trying to tell his dad about his little brother who has blood on his lip. The best part is when he tries to tell his dad where the blood is and he says "dare" instead of "there".
What skill do you wish you possessed? I wish I was more flexible like our divers. I love watching them do walking handstands. It's amazing.
What is your favorite thing your coach always says? Jim says a lot of really funny/weird things. Just show up to our banquets and you are guaranteed to laugh.
What was your summer job in high school? I never actually had one until the end of my senior year when I was a receptionist at a Nissan car dealership.
What is the toughest thing about being a college student-athlete? Being able to get enough rest. Even if I take a nap in the middle of the day, I never really feel rested.
What is something you have to do before every game? "Gotta, PUMP PUMP PUMP IT UP." Our girls' team cheer.
What is your greatest achievement that has nothing to do with your sport? Making it through the past three years at SLU. To most this may seem simple, but I am not best at studying. SLU has really been a challenge for me but a good challenge.
What is the most interesting thing you did over the summer? I took a road trip with my bunny to see my sister in South Carolina.
What is something you've always wanted to be able to do? Play guitar, but I just don't have the time to give it enough attention.
Who is the loudest/funniest/messiest person on your team? Loudest is Laura Robertson is the messiest
Who is the teammate that is most like your coach and why? Eric Anderson, because he is Jim's nephew
What do you want to do after you graduate? For a while, I wanted to go to culinary school, but that turned into OCS and now it's really up in the air.
Where do you hope to be and what do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Whoa! Well, I hope to be living on the East Coast, possibly managing my own business.
What is something you just can't get enough of? Dr. Pepper. It's just too good to give up.
If you could swim with or against anyone (living or dead), who would it be? I'd love to swim with Channing Tatum to see him in a swimsuit!
What meet are you most looking forward to this season? Our senior meet on Jan. 9, because it will be the seniors' last meet. I will probably cry like a baby.
What is playing on your iPod right now? If I hadn't put my iPod through the washer and dryer, it would probably be playing "Get Higher" by Matt Nathanson because it really relaxes me.
