Video: Missy Franklin, Teri McKeever Look Ahead to New Cal Season

BERKELEY, California, August 29. TODAY marks the start of a new semester at the University of California-Berkeley, and with it, the start of a new coach-swimmer relationship between Teri McKeever and Missy Franklin.

The two held a press conference yesterday to talk about their goals and expectations for the new season. Franklin also described the process of moving into her dorm and getting accustomed to a new city.

“It feels like home already, which is the best part,” Franklin said.

The two also talked about what it will be like to deal with Franklin’s presence in Berkeley as one of the world’s most famous athletes, including living in this social media era and the ever-present college party.

“There’s so many things we have to consider,” Franklin said. “I feel very confident going into school and starting this new experience. We’re aware of everything. I still feel like even though there might be that microscope, I can still have as normal a college experience as I can.”

McKeever got emotional when talking about her responsibility of working with Franklin not only on the good days, but the bad ones as well.

“My life experience as a 51-year-old tell me there are days when you can’t be this happy, and you can’t be this put-together,” McKeever said. “When that gets to be a place where the crack (in Franklin’s personality shows), I want to be there to pick that up.”

Franklin stressed that though the plan is to turn professional after the 2015 NCAA championships, she’ll stay in Berkeley to train and obtain her degree.

“My education is so important to me,” she said.

Video provided by Cal Athletics.

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