March 16, 2012
By: Jessica Hall
Going in to her first NCAA Championship as an Arizona Wildcat, junior swimmer Lauren Smart has proven that she will be a key member to the women's team. After transferring from Virginia in 2011, she just became eligible to swim as a Wildcat in the spring semester. With her first successful few months under her belt, Smart hopes to add points for her team in the championships.
When she made the decision to transfer, Smart had a difficult time deciding where to go. Team atmosphere and weather were major aspects in her decision.
"The team has a great reputation," Smart said. "The atmosphere is laid back and everybody has fun. One of the key factors was the weather, since the sun is something I love."
Because Smart transferred in 2011, she had to sit out for a year in compliance with NCAA rules. It was the first time she had to act as a spectator instead of a competitor and it proved to be challenging for her.
"It was really difficult to sit out," Smart said. "I didn't realize how much I miss competing. I got to train with the team and participate in everything, but I missed racing and I wanted to be able to contribute."
Through the whole process of transferring and moving to Arizona, Smart has learned about herself as a person and what is best for her. She wanted to live somewhere that met her standards and provided her with the best experience.
"I've learned a lot about myself," Smart said. "I gained perspective, narrowed down what I wanted and I couldn't be happier. I enjoy the process and the people I'm with. I want to look back and think it was the best experience of my life."
Any transition to an unfamiliar place is extremely difficult, but Smart could not be happier with her decision to become a Wildcat. She appreciates the coaches and her teammates that support her and realize how large of an impact she has on the success of the team.
"I love the atmosphere of the swim family," Smart said. "The swimmers have as much say as the coaches. The coaches are like my peers. It's a give and take relationship and they appreciate your input."
Smart is not the only one who thinks her decision to transfer was a good one. The coaching staff not only appreciates her presence as a swimmer, but also has noticed that she fits in well with the team and contributes a special personality.
"Lauren has been really fun to work with and she has had a lot of success already in our program," Arizona head swimming coach Eric Hansen said. "She has bought into it and adds a lot of flavor to our team."
In addition to feeling at home with the team, Smart appreciates the warmth and the fact that she has the ability to be out in the sun every day doing what she loves.
"Arizona is everything I could have asked for," Smart said. "The weather is amazing. Every day I wake up with a smile on my face knowing that I chose the right place for myself."
