(Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction)
|
(Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction) |
The University of Maryland swimming team's meet against Duke and North Carolina State last November was notable mainly for the fact that it was the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener for the three teams.
But for Nina Rossi, former Princeton High superstar and Maryland freshman, the meet represented a dream come true.
"It was my first big college meet and it was so good to be there," said Rossi, recalling the meet which was held at the Duke pool.
"I never thought I'd be swimming for a Division I program and it was a great atmosphere. There was some real excitement and I had some of my best times of the season."
Rossi, who won the 200 butterfly and 200 individual medley in the meet, acknowledged that she hit some rough water over the course of her freshman season with the Terps.
"It was different, the training was difficult," said Rossi, who encountered little difficulty during her PHS career as she set a slew of school records, won six state individual titles, and helped the Little Tigers win three straight Public B Central Jersey championships.
"The focus wasn't as much on yardage as it was on intervals. We would do a lot of different sets within the workouts, they were more challenging. We also did kicking sets which I've never done. The events are longer at the college meets and there is less time to recover."
Rossi, who competed in any event where she was needed by PHS, focused on the 200 fly during her first campaign with the Terps.
"I did a lot of 200 fly," said Rossi, whose season best in the event was 2:03.04 at the ACC championship meet where Maryland placed sixth.
"It was good but I like branching out and doing different events; I like to spice things up. I was on the 800 freestyle relay team at the ACC meet and I did the 100 free and butterfly legs on relays during the season. Next year I'm doing the IM because the team will need some help there."
Out of the pool, Rossi had to branch out a bit. "Academically, the first semester was hard," said Rossi, who was back in Princeton last week on spring break.
"I took a lot of core classes. I had a full credit load and with training twice a day, that was a rough transition. I did get homesick a couple of times."
The transition has been eased by Rossi's freshman roommates. "I live with five swimmers," said Rossi with a laugh.
"We all have different personalities; each brings something different to the table. It's great to bounce things off of them."
Rossi is still practicing even though the college season is over. "I'm swimming on a club this spring out of the university," said Rossi. "I will be swimming for Hamilton Aquatics again this summer."
While there were ups and downs as she went through her first season at the college level, Rossi believes she is better for the experience.
"I'm satisfied with how I did; I had to adjust to training so hard and being in college," asserted Rossi.
"I always thought I was responsible but you have to be really organized and responsible; you're basically swimming, going to school, eating and studying. Everything is good now; I can't wait to get back. I think I can help the freshmen next year with tips as they go through things."
And with a year under her belt, Rossi figures to make an even bigger splash next season at Maryland.
Return to Previous Sports Story | Return to Top | Go to Next Story