Alexa Hieber, a sophomore nursing major, was named CSAA All-American at the NCAA DII game last week.
Hieber made waves in the swimming world by competing in the mile, where she started as the 27th seed, but got bumped up to 15th. She even broke her own program of 17:11.32 with her latest 17:06.36. Hieber was less concerned about her seed’s position than what she could accomplish.
“I was not concerned about where I was seeded for 1650-yard freestyle”, Hieber said. “I knew that if I did the best I could, the places would work themselves out.”
Hieber attributes her success to collaboration and the step-by-step training process.
“Throughout the training season, which lasts from September to March, my coaches and I aim to increase yards per practice as the season goes on”, Hieber commented. “Not only do we have a total yardage goal in mind, but we also aim to work on small things in my race.”
Additionally, she discussed the methodic tapering of her practice intensity leading up to the event, allowing her body to work optimally.
“For the week leading up to the race, we begin to taper and cut down on the yards and intensity of practice in hopes of resting my body so it can perform well,” Hieber said.
Any athlete is bound to face injuries. Hieber was no exception to that, but she came out the other side due to her resolve to do well and team support.
“I faced struggles that most athletes have faced before, including burnout and injury,” Hieber said. “With the help of my coaches, teammates, and athletic trainers, I was able to continue to love the sport.”
Hieber was delighted to have broken her record.
“I am extremely excited about breaking my own program record and achieving Second-Team All-American,” Hieber said. “Being able to earn this award … [has] been in the back of mind for a long time, so I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity and support to earn this award.”
Hieber was first introduced to the world of college sports by her older brother.
“I have been a swimmer for most of my life,” Hieber said. ”My brother has been my biggest inspiration and mentor in swimming, and seeing the joy college swimming brought him made me want to experience it for myself.”
Straddling both academic and athletic responsibilities has been easier because of the resources provided to her.
“Balancing athletics with academics has its difficulties,” Hieber said. “I am … grateful that most professors are understanding when I have conflicts and allow me to make up missed assignments and exams.”
Hieber has already started strategizing for next season.
“I plan on training hard to earn a sport back at the NCAA National Championship next year,” she said. “I plan on continuing to swim throughout the summer to stay in shape and work on cross-training to prevent injury.”
