Rhode Island native, Caroline Huber, sat down with UNCW Sports intern Kristina Morrison to talk about swimming in college, her move to the south, and her unexpected success.
Kristina Morrison: You set the UNCW freshman record for the 200 IM. What was it like breaking a school record coming in as a freshman?
Caroline Huber: Coming in as a freshman from Rhode Island was a different experience for me. It was a huge experience because I didn't think I would be placed on important relays or that I would drop that much time. It was overwhelming being on relays with upperclassman.
KM: You swam the anchor leg on the school's record setting 200 and 400 Medley Relays. Was the pressure on you to compete well?
CH: Honestly, I was a bit of a wreck before that race because I was on a relay with captains. That's when I realized how much I loved my team. I'm not sure I would have had that courage without them.
KM: You were also voted the team's Rookie-of-the-Year in your freshman year. What was that experience like?
CH: It was another big first experience for me. I didn't really see myself as a "fast swimmer," until I came to college. I really developed a team mentality, which I never really had before.
KM: You previously held the school's record in the 200 Medley Relay. Are there any records you really want to set before you graduate?
CH: I've always looked up to Melissa Milstead. She holds the record for the 100 Breaststroke and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She was an education major like me and was a fast breaststroker. She graduated the year I came in, so I didn't get to meet her, but it would be nice to be at her level. I came to UNCW as a strong breaststroker, but have since started swimming all the strokes. It would be nice to work on it and make a statement for myself in that event.
KM: You were ranked among UNCW's all-time best in 200 IM (3rd), 100 Backstroke (8th) and 100 Breaststroke (10th). What has been your biggest accomplishment?
CH: Being able to see the potential in myself that others have seen in me.
KM: Did you know you were going to swim in college?
CH: I always knew I wanted to swim in college. I didn't reach the level I saw as "college level" until my senior year. I have made an effort to be a versatile swimmer that people wanted on their team.
KM: How long have you been swimming?
CH: Since I was five.
KM: Who has been your biggest supporters?
CH: My parents, of course, as well as my team coach at home (Mike Lane). He's been my coach for over eight years.
KM: What is your favorite event to swim?
CH: The 200 IM. But breaststroke is my favorite stroke.
KM: If you weren't swimming what would you be doing?
CH: I've never seen myself as anything but a swimmer. I've been swimming year-round since I was five. I guess I would have found other outlets and gotten involved with other sports. I'm double majoring in elementary education and English. I hope to get a teacher licensure for high school English as well as K-6th. I'd like to teach fourth or fifth grade.
