Connor Grant
Connor Grant (sophomore) broke his previous school record at the four-day SCIAC Swimming & Diving Championships Feb. 21, repeating as champion of the 200 freestyle.
Recovering from a shoulder injury, Grant said he feels lucky to have been able to compete at a high level again.
“With my injury it feels really good to get back to where I was,” Grant said. “I swam a little faster, which kind of surprised me […] I was really happy with it.”
According to Grant, he prepares extensively for races both physically and mentally.
“There’s a lot of physical preparation with the taper, managing my sleep, physical therapy and fuel,” Grant said. “These are all things I’m very conscious about.”
Grant said he has superstitious practices before every race.
“I live in Wylie and I always touch the street bollards outside for good luck,” Grant said.
According to Grant, anticipating success while ignoring his doubts is crucial to his success.
“I think it’s important to visualize the outcome where you win or you get your goal,” Grant said. “If you visualize all the negative outcomes, then you’re manifesting them.”
According to Grant, the men’s swim team also broke the 800 free relay record, something he said he’s proud to have accomplished alongside his friends.
“It’s always fun to break a record with some teammates because it feels monumental,” Grant said.
Head coach Haley Meryl said Grant’s trophy is a result of his determination.
“Connor’s super committed and very dedicated to the sport,” Meryl said. “He goes to bed at a reasonable hour, he eats well and does all the things – as a DIII athlete – that are not as controlled for you.”
Meryl said Grant’s best performances come when he is put under pressure.
“Connor’s at his best when he’s racing,” Meryl said. “I got several compliments from other coaches after his 200 — [it was] a really clutch race.”
Meryl said Grant has found a new, playful side of himself.
“He has grown so much from last year and is not taking himself too seriously [now],” Meryl said. “I’ve seen him joke around with his teammates and dance on the pool deck.”
Meryl said she hopes to see Grant continue to grow and be a role model for the arriving underclassmen next year.
“He really leads by example,” Meryl said. “Being yourself is a huge part of leadership. The underclassmen seeing him be vulnerable or joyful is really sweet.”
Bella Wilde
Bella Wilde (junior) scored three goals during the women’s water polo game against California Institute of Technology (CalTech) Feb. 2. Wilde’s defense as a guard coupled with her offensive efforts led the team to a 13-2 victory, their first win of the season.
According to Wilde, the team’s games against CalTech are normally back and forth contests.
“I don’t remember us winning a game against them by such a large margin,” Wilde said. “Normally against Caltech it’s pretty tight so we’re happy to come away with such a big win.”
According to Wilde, listening to intense music before games helps to drown out any outside noise.
“To prepare, I listen to intense music before games,” Wilde said. “If the music is loud, then my thoughts are quiet. I’m trying to get out of my head.”
Women’s water polo head coach Lindsey Garcia said Wilde plays best when she is not striving for perfection.
“If she’s having fun, she plays really well,” Garcia said. “When she’s trying so hard to be perfect she won’t [play] as [well].”
According to Wilde, in the game against CalTech she was satisfied with her ability to stop the Beavers from scoring.
“I’m a guard, so I could play the best game of my life and have a zero line of stats,” Wilde said. “If I do well, my mark doesn’t get the ball.”
Wilde said Coach Garcia has been invaluable to her development as an athlete.
“[Garcia has] definitely done a lot for building my confidence,” Wilde said. “[She understands] not just the physical aspect of water polo but also the emotional aspect.”
Garcia said Wilde’s work ethic is admirable. Wilde is constantly working outside of practice hours to improve her play, according to Garcia.
“Wilde is someone who always wants to go above and beyond,” Garcia said “She has continuously worked hard, and has put in the time and effort to become a leader.”
According to Garcia, the current roster does not have many upperclassmen, so Wilde’s role as a leader on the team is vital.
“We only have three seniors [and] two juniors,” Garcia said. “Bella has been really key to the team’s dynamic.”
According to Garcia, Wilde was the first person on the women’s water polo team to achieve an award based on team values.
“We have […] our H.E.A.R.T: hunger, energy, accountability, respect and a team player,” Garcia said. “Wilde does a really great job of demonstrating those values.”
Contact Cole Banks at cbanks@oxy.edu
