Q: What events Do you swim?
1,000 Free, 500 Free, 100 Fly, 200 Fly.
Q: What motivated you to join the team?
When I came to MSMC for an open house and did a tour I was amazed by the campus and the feeling of closeness it had. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always loved swimming, so knowing I had the chance to swim here made it an easy choice for me.
Q: What is your favorite part about being on the team?
I get to swim and race against my fellow swimmers.
Q: What has been your proudest moment so far this season?
During the meet against Pace and Assumption, I managed to shave 24 seconds off of my 1,000 Free time and got a new personal best for that event. I was very happy about that and I felt pretty proud of myself.
Q: What aspects of our training do you feel help you improve the most?
The dryland definitely helps a ton in improving my endurance and agility. I think the drills and overall swimming workouts help push us to our potential as well.
Q: How would you describe the team atmosphere?
Motivating. Everyone is driven at practice and willing to work as hard as they can to get better.
Alumni Spotlight
Q&A with Marissa Catania, Class of 2018
It was truly some of the best years of my life :’)
Q: What events did you primarily swim during your time at MSMC?
Breaststroke - 50/100/200
Q: What made you decide to join the team?
I swam throughout high school and was recruited by Danielle Lindner (now Danielle Strauchler). After she came to several of my high school meets, I became interested in continuing to swim in college.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from being part of the MSMC swim team?
Some of my favorite memories are from our training trips to Deerfield Beach and Miami, Florida. I’ll always remember my recruiting trip, the tough practices in and out of the pool, and the classic “croggle” moments (crying in our goggles) with my teammates. Morning practices were always an experience. Living together in 392, we’d make sure everyone was awake before heading out for 6 a.m. practice—banging on doors if someone was running late—and then walking across campus through the tennis courts as a group of 30. It’s fun to look back on. Honestly, the list goes on!
Q: What was your proudest accomplishment as a swimmer at MSMC?
Definitely breaking the MSMC breast stroke records alongside a few of the medley relay records. I believe I still hold the Skyline conference women’s 100 (2016-17) and 200 (2015-16) breast stroke records. I remember Coach Dan looking at Olympic Trial qualifying times before Metros one year - I think I missed the cut by a second.
Q: How did being on the swim team impact your college experience?
It gave me an automatic sense of community. I had a built-in group of friends from day one. The camaraderie, shared goals, and daily routines created strong bonds and made college feel like home. Beyond the social aspect, being part of the team kept me disciplined, motivated, and focused both in and out of the pool.
Q: What have you been doing since graduating?
Since graduating, I’ve spent the past seven years working as a special education teacher. After completing my undergraduate degree, I earned two master’s degrees, one in Literacy and the other in Special Education.
Q: How did your experiences as a student-athlete at MSMC influence your career?
Being a student-athlete shaped me into a leader, and I carry those skills into my career as an educator and in the way I support and guide students, colleagues, and families.
Q: Are you still involved in swimming or any other sports?
Not right now. I’ve looked into joining a masters swim team!
Q: Any advice you would like to give to current swimmers or student-athletes at MSMC?
Make the most of every practice, meet, and team moment. The friendships, discipline, and teamwork you develop will stay with you long after graduation, in both your career and your life. It might sound cliché, but it really is over in the blink of an eye. You remember far less of the tough moments and so much more of the time spent with friends.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your time at MSMC or your life after graduation?
It was truly some of the best years of my life :’)