Xavier senior swimmer faces 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.

A Woodbine, GA native, Xavier senior Nathan Green will be an integral part of the Xavier University swim team in 2010-11.

Last season, Green was an Atlantic 10 Conference All-Academic Team selection, an Atlantic 10 Performer of the Week, and was part of a 400 relay team that set a new school record of 3:04.69 at the Atlantic 10 Championships. Individually, Green set season best times in the 100, 200, and 500 freestyle at the Zippy Invitational. He also took bronze in the 500 freestyle at Atlantic 10 Championships and was named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll last Fall.

The son of David Sheryl Green, Nathan was originally born in Westerly, RI and is currently studying management and entreprenurial studies.

Green and the Xavier swim team are back in action this weekend as they travel to the Akron Zippy Invitational. The Musketeer men and women will each compete against some of the top teams in the region. In the men's competition, Xavier will face off against Bloomsburg University, University at Buffalo, Clarion University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Niagara University, Shippensburg University, and St. Bonaventure. 

Before Green took off for Akron, however, the senior swimmer took the time to complete the CatholicSportsNet.com "20 Questions."

1. How did you choose the college you attend?

When I visited Xavier the team created a family type atmosphere that I did not get at any of the other universities I was recruited by.  The tight nit community Xavier offers, and the amazing chemistry the team had was unmatched throughout my entire recruiting process.  I felt like I belonged at Xavier more than any other college.

2. What is your favorite part of college athletics?

The friendships that are made throughout the entire experience; from the peers I train with everyday to the coaches and faculty that help me do what I love.

3. How do you balance academics and your sport?

Because the swim season is so long, I have to take advantage of all the time I have to study.  Freshman year all athletes are required to study nightly throughout the week which helped set a rhythm for the rest of my tenure at Xavier.  Staying organized through to-do lists and keeping to a routine helps me perform in and out of the pool.

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

The sacrifices that are required to be made by the demands of the sport, whether it is less sleep or staying over breaks to train, most sacrifices are very tough to   handle; fortunately, being surrounded by a group of teammates and coaches that I             love to be around really helps.

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

Playing Super Smash Bros with my teammates, on Nintendo 64-the original, of course.

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

The best characteristic I bring to my teammates is holding them and myself accountable.  Whether it is a drill during practice or more serious matters, I think my ability to hold others accountable allows for strong friendships to develop.

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

Right before the meet starts the team gathers for a team ‘Our Father’ then a team cheer.

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

I listen to a mix of Christian and Rap.  Sometimes I throw in a Pop song if it just came out and it’s catchy.

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

My faith plays one of the biggest roles in everything I do.  My relationship with God gets me through the toughest parts of my day and lets me enjoy the greatest parts of my day.  My faith has made me into the man I am today.  I do not think I would be able to be in class, at practice, or even writing answers to these questions if I did trust God.  I think that once people realize the power God has and if faith is put in him, their dreams can be reached.  I believe that I am slowly beginning to realize some of the power God has and I have been astonished about what he has done in my life.  I am so thankful for the gifts he has given me merely because I have faith in him. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me in the future.

10. Favorite pro team to watch?

I like to watch the Indianapolis Colts because they are very professional.  I really enjoyed watching Tony Dungy coach the Colts before he retired because he used his relationship with God so well throughout his life.

11. What is your coach’s best quality?

The balance he is able to have between friend and coach.  He can be serious when he needs to and joke around when he wants to.

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

Whether a member of a team is officially called the captain or not, leaders are needed on teams to show how to act.  Especially in swimming, where we are being mentally and physically challenged day after day, a leader that can show how God can help with any hardship is pivotal to true success.

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

I like to encourage teammates one-on-one after their races, trying to tell them that it is important to have faith in God and in their training that they can compete at their highest level at any moment.  From there I explain that a true victory is when complete surrender is given to God by trying their absolute best, trusting He will get them through the race.

14. What is your favorite pre meet snack?

I always have a Powerbar and a banana, but Welch’s fruit snacks are very popular on the bus rides. The team and I really enjoy them and usually fight to get the best flavors.

15. Favorite movie quote?

“Excuse my friend, he’s a little slow, the town is three miles back that way!”  – Lloyd Christmas, Dumb and Dumber

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

My advice to those who are making decisions of where to attend college is to go where you feel called to go.  Do not let other influence you to attend a particular college because it might be known for parties or it’s “where everyone goes,” rather visit the colleges you are interested in and choose based on the connection you felt to the school.

17 Best smart phone app?

I don’t have one.

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

I have already begun searching for a job and I think that my involvement in college sports and academics has made my resume stand out.  I think that employment recruiters recognize the hard work and dedication it takes to be a successful college student-athlete.

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

As an athlete, we are expected to represent our college and I find it very enjoyable to represent Xavier.  Good sportsmanship and team unity are a part of our team goals which lines up very well with the mission of Xavier.  I love competing for a catholic college because it promotes faith in sports.  Rarely do I hear about other non-catholic colleges having team prayer before every meet and for me, that is a pivotal part of my life.

20. What is your proudest athletic achievement?

My sophomore year when I anchored the 800 free relay at the Atlantic-10 Conference Championships, our relay was in second when I entered the water but finished first by .01 seconds.  I am really proud of the moment not only because we won, but the fact that I surrendered myself to God and truly tried my absolute best. I did not give up on the race and believed that God would give me the strength to push through.