#NationalTeamNewbie: Q&A with Emma Schoettmer

Photo Courtesy: Azaria Basile

By Katlynn Emaus, Swimming World College Intern

Emma Schoettmer is a senior on the University of Arizona swim team. Schoettmer had a breakout summer, placing third in the 200-meter breaststroke (2:26.41) at the Phillips66 Nationals in August. Her speed planted her on the U.S. National Team. She is among 23 first-time members of the 2015-2016 National Team named in early September. Schoettmer’s fastest time of the summer (2:26.33) ranks her fifth in the country behind big names like Micah Lawrence, Laura Sogar, Molly Hannis, and Annie Lazor.

Swimming World recently had the opportunity to get to know this blossoming breaststroker…

SW: What is your swimming background?

ES: I have been swimming since I was 8 years old, so that would be over 13 years now. I grew up swimming for Center Grove Aquatic Club in the Greenwood area in Indiana. I attended Center Grove High School from 2009-2012 and then went on to swim for the University of Arizona. I will be graduating this coming spring 2016.

SW: Why did you stick with the grueling sport of swimming?

I stayed with swimming because of my friends. Since they were at practices, I was at practices. It wasn’t until high school when I really discovered my talent and decided to take swimming seriously.

SW: What events do you swim?

100 and 200 breaststroke

SW: What is your favorite event and why do you like it above all the rest?

My favorite event is the 200 breaststroke because I have a knack for being able to maintain my speed and endurance in the race. I like the challenge the 200 gives me over the 100. I also like breaststroke because I really can’t swim anything else at quite the same level.

SW: What do you like most about swimming?

Friends. Without the friends that I have made from swimming, I would not be where I am today.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H.Bick

SW: What is your fondest swimming-related memory?

During my freshman year at the University of Arizona, I had the opportunity to swim at the NCAA Championships where I became aware that I was a small unit to a large whole. By this, I mean I watched my teammates Bonnie Brandon, Margo Geer, Gracie Finnegan, and Monica Drake come together during finals of the 800 freestyle relay and place second! The idea of team was so strong at that meet that it inspired me over the last couple of years swimming with this team. The experience of becoming so close to a group of girls by the end of the season and being a part of something bigger than myself was something that I will never forget.

SW: What has swimming taught you in the long run?

Teamwork, accountability, goal setting, time management, life-long friendships, dedication, sacrifice, discipline, responsibility- all of these things come together and will carry over to whatever I end up doing in the real world.

SW: When was a time that you had to overcome the greatest adversity in the sport and what did you take away from it?

I would say the greatest adversity I had to overcome was at Pac-12s last year, when I was about to swim one of my best races ever in the 200, but I had a slight malfunction with the touch pad. My arm became caught in the wiring and I was pulled back to the wall. It was a devastating moment to just see what I worked for fall away, but I think those moments are what fuel us to keep going. I finally had that great race this past summer at Nationals in the 200 breaststroke and that is what put me on the national team today. I guess what I took away from it was the idea that obstacles will always be put in your path, whether they are physical, mental, or emotional. It is our job to overcome those obstacles and keep moving forward.

SW: What is your favorite quote?

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers, but above all the world needs dreamers who do.” I have this on a decorative board in my room back in Indiana.

SW: Favorite pump up song?

I don’t listen to pump up songs. I’m usually sitting around reading a book at meets. It helps me focus and calm down.

SW: What is your favorite food?

Haha…I absolutely love orzo with green beans!

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

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