Amanda Shapiro is a member of the Class of 2008 and the newest star for women’s swimming. The holder of four individual University records, Shapiro set aside some time after a big weekend at Amherst to talk swimming and life at Wesleyan.
MR: Three words to describe how you felt after being named a National Collegiate Swimmer-of-the-Week.
AS: Shocked. A little embarrassed because my picture was everywhere. I need a third word … proud.
MR: You swim a number of events; which one is your favorite?
AS: The 100(-meter) breaststroke.
MR: You have already achieved four individual records, right?
AS: And one relay.
MR: Four and one relay. Which is the most special?
AS: Probably the 400 IM, because not only was it a Wesleyan record, but also an Amherst pool record. I wasn’t necessarily recruited by Amherst, so it was nice to give it back to their coach.
MR: Amherst? How did you pick Wesleyan?
AS: I wanted a small liberal arts school. My brother swam for Amherst, and I looked at Amherst and they didn’t want me for some reason. So I looked here and I fell in love with the people.
MR: Are there other records you are looking to break?
AS: Yes, it would be nice to get some more relay records. And the 200 breaststroke, because it would be nice to have all three breaststroke records (she has set the 50-yard and 100-yard breaststroke).
MR: Relays are important as well. Do you have team goals for the season?
AS: Definitely want to place higher at NESCACs. We haven’t done that well from what I hear. Also to beat Amherst in the near future. And to have the highest GPA in the NESCAC, because that’s still important.
MR: Has it been difficult juggling class and sports as a freshman?
AS: We have double practices two days a week, which can be challenging. It’s not necessarily difficult to juggle, but it’s exhausting.
MR: I know the team is traveling during winter break. Any big plans for the San Diego trip?
AS: We’re not allowed to do anything as far as I know. We just swim twice a day.
MR: That’s all you are actually doing?
AS: Just workouts. We’re leaving January 3, and coming back the tenth I think.
MR: Do you mind missing out on break?
AS: Yes, I miss my family. But at the same time there’s nothing going on on Long Island. I would rather be in San Diego where it’s not snowing.
MR: After break the postseason comes quickly. Any thoughts on what you will be swimming in February?
AS: I think each swimmer can swim up to four. It’s so early in the season it’s too hard to know what events I’ll swim, or where I will place in the rankings.
MR: Name your top three swimming heroes.
AS: Aaron Peirsol, because he is hot; Michael Phelps, because he made swimming popular; and Sarah Myksin (’06), because she is my hero.
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