Swimming Above the Challenge

When top Division I schools courted Alex Anderson ’15 for a swim scholarship in 2006, the high school senior wasn’t ready. Recruiters from universities in such states as Alabama, Arizona, and Indiana saw a record-setting competitor who took two state titles in the 500-yard freestyle. Anderson saw a commitment to academics he wasn’t ready to make. He turned his back on school, and for a few years he lost his way − and his sport. Seven years later he’s making a name for himself as a UMW student-athlete on the Eagles swim team. In February, the sophomore was named Capital Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year at a meet in which he broke four individual school and conference records and swam in four record-breaking relays. He represented the University at the March NCAA Championships in Texas, becoming the fourth individual NCAA national champion in UMW school history. Meanwhile, the water helped Anderson get his life on track. “Swimming turned into a therapeutic sport for … [Read more...]