General of the Week: Emily Rollo, ‘17
Emily Rollo, ’17, from Haddonfield, N.J., started the New Year off with a splash. In the first meet of 2017 against Bridgewater, she led her team to a decisive victory. Emily was part of two winning relays, the 200-yard Medley Relay and the 200-yard Freestyle Relay. She also won two individual events: the 100-yard Backstroke and the 200-yard Backstroke. The Phi sat down with the senior captain to discuss this great start to 2017 and life out of the pool.
January 19, 2017
Phi: Congratulations on winning two individual events and two relays this past Saturday. Can you talk about what contributed to your success this weekend?
ER: The meet against Bridgewater was our first meet after training over winter break, so we just came off of high intensity training. We were pret- ty tired and sore but in great shape. I focused on swimming my races smart and paid attention to the start, my turns and my stroke.
Phi: Can you talk a little bit about the team’s performance Saturday as a whole and what the feelings were like of the team after the win?
ER: It was our first meet after the break so it was good to get back into the racing mode. It sets us up well going into the last few dual meets before ODACS. We were very pleased with how we swam after hard practices.
Phi: As an individual, what do you still wish to accomplish with the rest of this season? What kind of personal goals do you wish to achieve?
ER: I hope to conclude my swimming career with a successful NCAA meet in my individuals and on the relays.
Phi: What are the season goals for the team?
ER: The first goal for the team is to take home another ODAC championship. We are also work- ing hard to qualify as many people as we can for the NCAA championship, [in both] individuals and relays.
Phi: Can you give me an idea of what your practice and pregame routines are like?
ER: We practice every day of the week. We also lift three times a week and do dry land work- outs twice a week. Before meets, I do the same
warm-up, which includes pacing and some sprints. Before I race, I make sure I’m keeping [myself] loose and relaxed.
Phi: What is life like for you out of the pool? Do you have any hobbies?
ER: Out of the pool, I’m involved in Panhellenic council at W&L as the head Rho Gamma, helping the first year women through recruitment. I also enjoy following other sports. I’m a big fan of all Philadelphia sports teams.
Phi: Is there anything else you’d like our Phi readers to know about you or the team?
ER: We swam the last meet ever in the CY Twombly pool [on Saturday]. It was a very special time for the team, and especially for the seniors.