Cardinal Character

Amanda Shapiro ’08

By Michael Ryan

Sports Editor



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.



Three words to describe how you felt after being named a National Collegiate Swimmer-of-the-Week.

Shocked. A little embarrassed because my picture was everywhere. I need a third word ... proud.



You swim a number of events; which one is your favorite?

The 100(-meter) breaststroke.



You have already achieved four individual records, right?

And one relay.



Four and one relay. Which is the most special?

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.



Amherst? How did you pick Wesleyan?

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.



Are there other records you are looking to break?

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).



Relays are important as well. Do you have team goals for the season?

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.



Has it been difficult juggling class and sports as a freshman?

We have double practices two days a week, which can be challenging. It’s not necessarily difficult to juggle, but it’s exhausting.



I know the team is traveling during winter break. Any big plans for the San Diego trip?

We’re not allowed to do anything as far as I know. We just swim twice a day.



That’s all you are actually doing?

Just workouts. We’re leaving January 3, and coming back the tenth I think.



Do you mind missing out on break?

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.



After break the postseason comes quickly. Any thoughts on what you will be swimming in February?

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.



Name your top three swimming heroes.

Aaron Peirsol, because he is hot; Michael Phelps, because he made swimming popular; and Sarah Myksin (’06), because she is my hero.