How College Swimming Changed Me: Annie Jacobsen, NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee

Photo Courtesy: Marisa Savegnago

By Brianna Hines, Swimming World College Intern

Confidence is Key

Annie Jacobsen is an NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. The award is given to an athlete that has stand-out achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. Jacobsen covers all these bases–she served as team captain, is the UIC 100 backstroke record holder, and was a leader on several committees in the UIC community during her four years as a Flame.

While she has built an incredible resume now, Jacobsen comments that she has completely changed in her four years as a college swimmer.

“I never talked and I wasn’t involved in anything in high school. I was very timid and shy,” Jacobsen said.

This may come to a huge surprise to anyone who knows Jacobsen now, as she is the face of many UIC student-athlete committees and organizations. She credits her personal growth and various accomplishments to her team.

“I had a team that believed in me and thought I could succeed. Being around a confident team really helped me build my own confidence,” Jacobsen said.

While she admits that the common saying “Confidence is key” may seem a “little cliché,” she believes it is vital to the success she has had. Confidence became the main drive and an inner power when faced with the challenges of a student-athlete. The opportunities she had in her swimming career to rise to the occasion, assisted in gaining confidence outside of the pool as well.

Taking Confidence Outside of the Water

Photo Courtesy: Annie Jacobsen

Jacobsen reflects on a time when she realized how much she could do as a student-athlete:

“I was able to have lunch with kids from the Chicago Public School System. When they found out I was an athlete, they put me on such a high pedestal. I realized how much of an impact I could have on the community and what sort of positive influence I could be.”

While Jacobsen always believed that college athletes have the capability to positively impact the community, her newfound confidence put her to the test. She was finally able to practice what she preached her junior year when nominated to the Student Advisory Committee. Though she says it took her a little while to open up, she was heavily involved.

“It got pretty crazy. I was a chemistry major sitting in on finance meetings, but I learned quickly and stepped up to the challenge,” said Jacobsen.

Being a part of budget decisions and proposals that affected the entire University required a strong voice, one that she had gained through the swimming family. Once again, knowing that people believed in her, nominated her, and depended on her only made the challenges as a leader easier.

Blessed

Photo Courtesy: Annie Jacobsen

Jacobsen admits that swimming served as her identity for a long time and she had to overcome the discomfort of the idea of a life after college swimming. Though she knew it would be difficult, she found that as the team helped her blossom with opportunities through her school she had found her life purpose.

“I decided I want to positively affect as many people as I could. My goal is to make sure people have a better day than I do,” said Jacobsen.

Using her presidential position on the Student Advisory Committee and love for community outreach, she established the foundation SPARK (Students Preforming Random Acts of Kindness). This foundation created a team of athletes from UIC to help feed the homeless around Chicago. SPARK has now fed over 700 people.

“Being a part of a team and having the opportunity to swim for Division 1 has reminded me how blessed and I am. I am so lucky to be given the opportunity as an athlete to reach out and impact a community,” said Jacobsen.

Now that she has graduated, her passion for community service has led her to applying for the Peace Corp and she is hopeful in awaiting a response.

“Being a part of a college team inspired me and gave me the confidence to become who I am today, so I try to look for team environments in my internship and career opportunities,” Jacobsen said.

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Candi Sonerholm

8 years ago

I’m so glad that I got to meet you last summer Annie. May the Lord go before you as you seek a life of service and sacrifice.

Edward Scott

8 years ago

I have always been impressed by your incredible dedication and hard work to excel in your swimming career threw out going all the way back to BHS. I’m not surprised that you are pursuing the Peace Corp. They will be lucky to have you. Your Mom and Dad and all your family and friends are so proud of you. Godspeed, Annie

Wally Morton

8 years ago

Wonderful story. Keep giving and make a difference!

Karen Thielens

8 years ago

Hi Annie….I wanted to wish you the very best as you go forward. Your Uncle Kurt and Aunt Connie have shared your amazing accomplishments with me over the years and you have so much to be proud of. Blessings and prayers.