Mia Slowik: Yale University - Swim

Riverdale Review: How long have you been playing your sport?

Mia Slowik: I’ve been competing since I was seven. 

RR: What’s your favorite memory of your sport?

MS: Last year at our championship meet on our club team. We had one relay to win the meet and I was anchoring the 400 freestyle relay. I got my best time and we ended up winning.

RR: Who has been your greatest inspiration or role model during your athletic career? 

MS: My dad. He swam in high school and in college. Not only does he have a lot of knowledge, but he really understands and that’s helped me through a lot of physical and emotional pressures. He’s been really inspiring to me and a great resource to have throughout my swimming career. 

RR: What are you most looking forward to about continuing your athletic career at Yale?

MS: I’m really excited to continue to challenge myself and to grow. A lot of high school club swimming is kind of about the times you go, but in college it’s more like racing and competing and scoring points for your team. So, I’m really excited to get to take part in that aspect of it, because at the end of the day swimming is about competing and racing. So that’ll be fun for me.

RR: What advice would you give to anyone beginning or interested in the recruitment process? 

MS: I’d say definitely focus on what you want and what you’re looking for in a school and don’t let other people around you tell you what you want. I mean obviously listen to your parents and coaches, but ultimately you need to pick a school that you’re gonna love and has the things that you’re excited about. And also, don’t be afraid to ask coaches all your questions and be proactive and show them that you’re really interested and excited about their program.