Indiana University Athletics
Meet Senior Maggie Helmers
2/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
February 4, 2003
A Q&A WITH SENIOR MAGGIE HELMERS
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How did you end up at Indiana?
I visited IU on Little 500 weekend my senior year in high school and loved everything that I saw when I was here. The team, the campus, and the coaches were everything that I was looking for. And of course, the Kelley School was appealing academically.
Do you have any brothers and sisters? Is so, what are their ages and what do they do?
I have a 23-year-old brother, Ben. He is graduating from Miami University in May (the same time as me!) and has accepted a job in Cincinnati. He was also a student athlete, playing basketball for
Miami's team.
What are your plans after graduation and how does your academic major play into those plans?
My first plan is to travel. At this point I have no obligations so I want to drive cross country or go to Europe and visit my roommate (Tina Gretlund) at her home in Denmark. I am also currently in the market for an accounting job. I don't care where, but for some reason my dad insists that I am employed sometime in the near future.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment in the swimming pool?
My improvements in the 400 IM have been a good accomplishment.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love just hanging out with friends, seeing movies, and last but not least, watching IU basketball.
Do you have any unique pre-race or pre-meet rituals?
Not really, I just have to relax.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Footlose. It has an amazing soundtrack, and you have got to love the dance moves.
What is your favorite television show and why? What is your favorite book?
Felicity (I know it was cancelled but reruns are still on). Two reasons... Ben and Noel. My favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
How do you deal with the monotony of early morning practices?
You can 't think too much during morning practice. Don't tell Dorsey, but at 5:40 a.m., I'm on automatic pilot.
The 200 fly and 400 IM have to be the two of the most grueling events in college swimming. How do you handle the race itself and the training for those events, psychologically and physically?
The race you take one stroke at a time. I would never have chosen to be a 400 IMer if I had been given the choice. It's a lot of conditioning and just being tough. But on that note, everyone on my team is tough no matter what event they swim.
What are your primary goals for the remainder of the season?
I have three weeks until (the Big Ten Championships), aka my last meet and retirement. I want to go out with a bang.
Describe Coach Tierney in three words?
Intense, driven, and disciplined
Who is your funniest teammate?
Colleen McCracken
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Hawaii.
Do you have any musical talents?
No.
What are your favorite foods?
Chocolate ice cream, cheese, chips and salsa
What is your favorite event and why?
The 200 Fly. I just like to race it. It's not too short but not too long either.
Have you participated in any other sports?
Basketball and soccer.
How would you describe your personality?
Laid back and fun.
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