By Devin Ditto
Every week, I sit down with one freshman varsity athlete to learn about their transition to collegiate sports. This week, I spoke with defenseman Odessa Ceh on the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team.
Where are you from? What drew you to Lawrence?
I’m from Chicago. I really was looking for a smaller-sized school so I could get individual attention from professors and not feel like just a number.
How old were you when you started swimming, and what sparked that initial interest in the sport?
I started swimming when I was in second grade, and it was actually my dad’s idea. I always loved playing in the pool, so he suggested I start swimming for the club team at Evanston High School.
How has the transition been going from swimming in high school to being on a collegiate team?
The transition from high school to college level swimming has been difficult. I never took swimming too seriously in high school, and sure, we still had dry land and morning practices, but nothing compared to it here.
The season is way longer, and the practices are more intense. I really have to give it my all in order to stay on top of the training. It can be mentally and physical draining at times, but getting to know my teammates and achieving personal goals is definitely worth it.
What do you think you have brought to the team so far this season, and what do you hope to continue to bring?
It is still early in the season and we have only had two meets, so I can’t really say. I want my team to be able to rely on me in or out of the pool.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love scuba diving. I’ve been diving and snorkeling in quite a few places like Belize and St. Martin. I try to go as often as I can, but being from Chicago, it can be difficult sometimes.