Notre Dame senior swimmer takes on the Questions

Each week, CatholicSportsNet.com will be getting to know a new student-athlete from around the country, by asking him/her a series of 20 questions - some in-depth, some lighthearted - that will provide insight into the thoughts and personalities of the men and women who are doing great things on and off the courts, fields, tracks, and courses.

Some might look at University of Notre Dame senior swimmer Katie Casey and think that she got her foot in the door with the Irish because of her “legacy” status.

Maybe they’re right. But Casey didn’t need any help. Her resume spoke for itself.

The daughter and niece of two, former Notre Dame men’s swim team alumni, Casey has excelled in the sport since high school and never looked back. Now, preparing to begin her fourth season at ND, Casey is looking to finish strong. Just like she does during her races.

Last year, Casey amassed 10 top three finishes during the dual meet season and never finished outside the top three in any fly event in the dual meet format. She took third place in the Big EAST championships in the 200 Fly with a time of 1:59.22, and swept the fly events against Purdue and recorded a first and second place finish in the fly events against Michigan, Northwestern and league foe Louisville.

Casey, who was born in Red Bank, NJ, attended Bolles High School in Jacksonville, FL, where she went undefeated throughout her prep career, was a nine-time All-American, and was crowned a Florida state champion all four years of high school.

Casey is the daughter of Ann and Donald (and niece of the aforementioned Uncle Brian Casey) and is a marketing major at Notre Dame. Recently, Casey took part in the CatholicSportsNet.com “20 Quesitons” segment, and her answers are below.

1. How did you choose the college you attend?

Each member of my family is a Notre Dame fan. I have been coming to games since I was two years old and I fell in love with the place. I always wanted to swim in college and to have the opportunity to swim at Notre Dame was so amazing. It is the perfect place for me.

2. What is your favorite part of college athletics?

I love the team atmosphere and support. I have the best team and they are always there for me. I also love the fact that we can hang out with other athletes who understand the athletic lifestyle. Having a team in college has helped in so many ways from stressful situations to cheering at meets. Having a close group of friends as teammates makes college athletics even better.

3. How do you balance academics and your sport?

Notre Dame had great academic services that help in a lot of ways. But I learned after freshmen year how to balance swimming with school. I have to set a plan to help budget my time. I definitely have to have breaks from studying to help me refocus.

4. What is the hardest part about being a student athlete?

It is hard to balance academics and swimming while maintaining the college lifestyle. Time restraints are the most difficult challenge, but once you learn that balance it makes things easier.

5. What do you do for fun when you aren’t in class or at practice?

I love going to the movies and hanging out with friends. I am also love going out to dinner. I am basically up for any group activity from movies, to shopping and theme parks.

6. What is the best characteristic that you bring to your teammates?

I love to laugh and smile. I like to think that I bring a positive attitude to practice and I hope that it helps the team stay motivated. And if that doesn’t work I am always the person to laugh at jokes. I am a very good listener so teammates can always come to me to feel better. 

7. What does your team do as a pre meet ritual?

Our team always comes together for a cheer before we start warm-ups; it normally consists of a “Go Irish” followed by a hail mary. Then each person has their own individual warm up that is specific to their events.

8. What music do you listen to before a meet?

I am not a big rap fan so I normally just like to listen to faster paced music. It really varies but anything that I consider “happy music” that puts me in a good mood. It could range from current “pop” songs on the radio to country, which is my personal favorite genre.

9. What role does your faith play throughout school, games, and practice?

I love to take advantage of the gorgeous Basilica on campus and go to mass every Sunday with a few of my teammates. My faith has also helped a lot this year because our team has struggled with a few personal problems, so coming together as a team to pray has really helped bring us together and get through hard times.

10. Favorite pro team to watch?

I have two sister, so I didn’t grow up as the biggest sports fan. I can honestly say that I only grew up watching Notre Dame football. But I have gotten a lot better and my roommate has rubbed off on me with her Philadelphia spirit so I cheer for the Eagles and Philles.

11. What is your coach’s best quality?

Our coaching staff has done a great job understanding the needs of student athletes. They are very flexible and understanding when it comes to our schedules and daily lives. They are always there to listen and work with you to help.

12. Why is a team captain(s) so important to the team?

As a current team captain I have really tried to learn from past captains and adapt to the team and individual issues. I think that with my co-captain we do a great job organizing, communicating and listening. I think those are three main components that keep the team running and moving forward. This year we have already had to sort through team struggles and  I think being able to listen to each individual is what really helped us work through those problems.

13. How does your team handle defeat? What do you say to your team after a tough loss?

Defeat in season happens. We can’t win every duel meet and we know that. We try to focus on the positives and find the good aspects of each swim. Because our sport is time oriented we automatically know if we went faster or slower than normal. As a team we try to be constructive and learn from each swim and figure out how to improve.

14. What is your favorite pre meet snack?

I don’t like to swim on a full stomach so I try to eat something light like a chewy bar.

15. Favorite movie quote?

“I shall name him squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my squishy.” - Finding Nemo

16. What advice do you have for young student athletes as they decide where to go to college?

Find a school that you would love if you could never swim (or play your sport) again. If you find a school that you love for all reasons other than your sport you will have a great college experience. Also make sure that you have good chemistry with your team because they play such an important part in your college life.

 17. Best smart phone app?

Black berry messenger (BBM)

18. How do you think your involvement in college sports and academics will benefit you when you begin to look for a job?

Companies like student athletes because they already have a sense of discipline as well as time management. We are used to having time restrictions and the same amount of academic responsibility. Being a part of a team is also a great asset to companies because you are able to balance different personalities and work with others to achieve a greater goal.

19. What does it mean to play athletics for a Catholic college?

The Catholic faith carries a presence on campus that carries to athletics. I think because there is a faith, there are certain traditions and that plays a huge role at Notre Dame. We live and die for traditions and I think that is attributed to the Catholic presence.

20. What is your proudest athletic achievement?

Competing in Olympic Trials will most likely be the highest level of swimming that I will achieve. It was the most amazing experience I have had in the world of swimming.