University of Georgia Athletics
On Deck With Michelle McKeehan
March 09, 2009 | Swimming & Diving
ATHENS, Ga. --- As a freshman this season, the pressure could have easily bewildered Indiana native Michelle McKeehan. But throughout the season, she had no problem stepping up. Her success started early by automatically qualifying for NCAAs at the UGA Fall Invitational in the 100 breaststroke.
After recording four individual victories this season and being named a Second Team All-SEC selection in the 100 breaststroke, McKeehan took some time to answer a few questions for georgiadogs.com to reflect on her successful freshman season.
This will be on ongoing series spotlighting many of Georgia’s swimmers that have automatically qualified for the 2009 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships later this month.
How has this season prepared you for the NCAA meet?
The training here at UGA is different than back home. Here we do more “own stroke” work. The training is more tailored to an individual’s needs. Racing in practice has also been very helpful. Every day, we race each other in workouts. It’s good practice for meets.
What goals have you set for yourself at the NCAA meet?
This is my freshman year so the biggest goal I have is to gain as much experience as I can. I would love to be able to put points up on the board for UGA but you cannot control the other swimmers. At NCAAs, I’m going to swim as fast as I can and see where my times place me.
What has the highlight of your season been thus far?
SECs were a blast. It’s an honor to be part of such a talented team. Watching your teammates race, you felt almost like it was you every time in the water. The women’s 500 free was a great start to Thursday’s finals. From there, the team kept building momentum.
What has been the biggest challenge for you this season and how did you overcome it?
Being away from home has been the biggest challenge. It’s about a 9-10 hour drive back home to Indiana. I was fortunate enough to have my grandparents at my meets. Outside of swimming, I dealt with it by finding a group of friends that I connect well with. I also talk to my parents every day so I know what’s going on back home. I keep telling myself that leaving home is just part of growing up. There’s no way around it.
What are your overall thoughts on your freshman season thus far at UGA?
I would pick nowhere other than Georgia to be. I love the team, the coaches and the school. There’s a Bible study on the team that I have joined, which has made my faith much stronger. The classes I’m enrolled in interest me. The team and coaches have exceeded my expectations in so many ways.
What is your favorite thing about being at UGA?
My favorite thing about UGA is the team. I have never been a part of a team that I care so much about. Since I came down here, swimming has become much more of a team sport. I no longer care about being number one, as long as no one but a Georgia swimmer is ahead of me. You really learn how to be selfless on a team like this one. Everyone just wants to see the team succeed, not just an individual. It makes meets a lot more fun and interesting.
After recording four individual victories this season and being named a Second Team All-SEC selection in the 100 breaststroke, McKeehan took some time to answer a few questions for georgiadogs.com to reflect on her successful freshman season.
This will be on ongoing series spotlighting many of Georgia’s swimmers that have automatically qualified for the 2009 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships later this month.
How has this season prepared you for the NCAA meet?
The training here at UGA is different than back home. Here we do more “own stroke” work. The training is more tailored to an individual’s needs. Racing in practice has also been very helpful. Every day, we race each other in workouts. It’s good practice for meets.
What goals have you set for yourself at the NCAA meet?
This is my freshman year so the biggest goal I have is to gain as much experience as I can. I would love to be able to put points up on the board for UGA but you cannot control the other swimmers. At NCAAs, I’m going to swim as fast as I can and see where my times place me.
What has the highlight of your season been thus far?
SECs were a blast. It’s an honor to be part of such a talented team. Watching your teammates race, you felt almost like it was you every time in the water. The women’s 500 free was a great start to Thursday’s finals. From there, the team kept building momentum.
What has been the biggest challenge for you this season and how did you overcome it?
Being away from home has been the biggest challenge. It’s about a 9-10 hour drive back home to Indiana. I was fortunate enough to have my grandparents at my meets. Outside of swimming, I dealt with it by finding a group of friends that I connect well with. I also talk to my parents every day so I know what’s going on back home. I keep telling myself that leaving home is just part of growing up. There’s no way around it.
What are your overall thoughts on your freshman season thus far at UGA?
I would pick nowhere other than Georgia to be. I love the team, the coaches and the school. There’s a Bible study on the team that I have joined, which has made my faith much stronger. The classes I’m enrolled in interest me. The team and coaches have exceeded my expectations in so many ways.
What is your favorite thing about being at UGA?
My favorite thing about UGA is the team. I have never been a part of a team that I care so much about. Since I came down here, swimming has become much more of a team sport. I no longer care about being number one, as long as no one but a Georgia swimmer is ahead of me. You really learn how to be selfless on a team like this one. Everyone just wants to see the team succeed, not just an individual. It makes meets a lot more fun and interesting.
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Saturday, January 10