Riley Scott has become one of the country’s top breaststrokers, but her focus often spans much wider.
Not into other swimming events, but even a wider scope in life. The USC senior is studying international relations and history, and her travel as a swimmer allows her to visit some interesting places.
In fact, she has made it a tradition, just as USC has made an elite breaststroking tradition
“I like to go through the state capital buildings early in the week of NCAAs or any big meet,” Scott told Swimming World. “Indy I did that and in Columbus. I love doing that. I am interested in politics and studying international relations.”
It is just another door swimming has opened for Scott.
“I am super interested in the world and how it works. I have always liked history and politics. I always wanted to know what is going on. My mom was a history teacher. I loved going to museums,” she said. “USC has allowed me to foster that. I always joke about how much of a history nerd I am, but I have expanded my horizons and have been embraced here.”
Those horizons will continue to expand after graduation, with plenty of avenue choices.
“Not quite sure what I want to do — something in terms of international relations: Human security, the Middle East, U.S. foreign policy. But those areas are super broad. Being in the state or defense departments. That is something I am definitely interested, but also the private sector.”
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It is a lot to think about, but Scott has been trying to keep her focus on the end of her final collegiate season in the water.
Already a two-time Pac-12 champion, Scott is looking to build on that and help the Trojans to a strong finish, leading into the NCAA Championships.
“The season is going well. It is weird to be a senior and realize that all of the things I am going through, I am doing them for the last time,” Scott said. “I have been using swimming to remind myself to stay grounded.”
Scott has the fastest time in the Pac-12 in the 100 breast (59.55, 10th nationally) and the 200 breast (2:08.13, seventh nationally).
Facing national title contenders Stanford and Cal in the Pac-12 meet will give Scott and the Trojans a different goal and focus heading into NCAAs, where they hope to finish in the top 10 in the country, maybe closer to the top five.
That goal started at last year’s NCAA Championships where the potential of USC really started to come out.
“Louise winning a national championship was obviously a huge highlight,” Scott said. “I hadn’t swam super well at NCAAs in the past, but winning the ‘B’ final was big. It was fun to win a race. It is about competing. We had great memories and team building. It is a smaller group and you always get closer with them. Those little things are what I really remember.”
Scott has won a Pac-12 title in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events, something she credits to the energy and support of her teammates.
“Pac-12s is a lot of fun. It is less serious. Our breaststrokers have a really cool group. We call ourselves the froggies. One thing that I learned from Pac-12s is the team really can lift you up. That is what I have learned the most. I need to lean on that and use that,” she said. “We had two seniors make NCAAs for the first time the heat before me, and that inspired me to win. We have had such breaststroke prowess the past couple of years, and historically as well (Jessica Hardy, Rebecca Soni).
“I need to make that an inspiration for NCAAs.”
After making the “B” final last year, Scott is focused on improving that performance in her final NCAA Championships.
“I definitely want to be in the ‘A’ final. I think our relays are going to be really strong. I want to throw down some fast relays splits for our team. Having a strong competitive mindset will make us much more successful — anything better than last year. I think top eight, top six would be great. That is just a number. It really comes down to everyone competing to what they are capable of,” she said.
But while she is focused on doing her best for the team, she wants to soak in her last meet with a team atmosphere.
“Next year I am planning on swimming for the 2020 year. I know already that I am going to be in a totally different zone and individualistic — so that whole idea of the team behind you in the most literal sense is what I am going to miss the most,” Scott said. “Relays have been so fun. I never had relays on my club team that had any shot at winning anything. That is something that I have cherished at USC.”
Check out more Pac-12 coverage here.
Go Riley!
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