For this week's podcast episode, I sat down with Indiana University Head Coach Ray Looze, who's coached some of the biggest names in the sport, like Blake Pieroni, Lily King, Cody Miller, Vini Lanza, and Annie Lazor. We talked about his time on the U.S. National team in the early 90s and placing 3rd at Olympic trials. Later on we discuss how the Indiana coaching staff is innovating the program to try new things with the team.

Caroline Bentz loved her 4 years at Virginia Tech. Now graduated, she hopes to pursue post-grad plans at ASU, while using her Covid 5th-year to bolster the growing ASU Women's team.

Zalan Sarkany is coming off of a standout season at ASU, where he helped the team to a national title they had been building to for 8 years. Now transferring to Indiana, Sarkany is getting ready for his incoming appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

I sat down with Josephine Fuller, a current junior for the Tennessee Volunteers. Josephine is coming off of a fantastic performance at the Pan American Games in October, where she won multiple medals including an individual gold. In a packed American field of backstroke excellence, Josephine is making a name for herself as a talented contender for a coveted Olympic spot.

15 year old Kayla Han has made her name known on the U.S. National team in a remarkably short period of time. After becoming the youngest Olympic trials qualifier in a generation, Kayla went on to make several junior international squads. This past February, she was named to her first senior squad at the Doha World Champs. There, Kayla would win her first senior international medal in the Mixed 4x100 Free Relay. With just 2 months to Olympic trials, Kayla is in a position to make some noise in Indy.

On Saturday, March 23rd, Abby McCulloh became the first NCAA champion for the Georgia women in the post Jack Baurele era. With that came not only a large amount of pride, but undoubtedly proof of the work that Abby had put in for her whole life.

In a field that had no lack of depth and talent, Abby McCulloh stepped up and became an NCAA Champion. In this week's interview, we sit down and discuss her emotions following that race, and the absolute joy she feels in being a Georgia Bulldog. Georgia has been in a rebuilding phase for a few years now, coming off of the retirement of legendary coach Jack Bauerle. However, with the arrival of a coaching staff who has a depth of history within the Georgia team, the transition has been considerably smoother. Coming off of an NCAA title, Abby is ready for what's next, and taking everything in stride, enjoying the moment.

At NC State Abby Pilkenton discovered newfound family on the pool deck. Due to circumstances outside of her control, she had to adjust her expectations of what success meant as training became more difficult. Now a graduated senior, she leaves behind a legacy of being the best teammate you can be. Abby spent her time at NC State being the team's biggest supporter and helping her teammates reach new heights through the love she gave them.

Being a good teammate doesn't mean you score the most points. Being a good teammate means at the end of the day you leave behind a legacy that brings positive memories to those around you.

David Plummer first competed at Olympic Trials in 2004, placing 9th in the 100 backstroke, .02 out of making the final. That fueled him to make the final in 2008, which he did, placing 7th. In 2010, Plummer finally had his moment, winning U.S. Nationals and making the 2011 World Championships team.

When it came time for the 2012 Olympic Trials, Plummer finished an agonizing 3rd in the 100 backstroke final, .13 out of being an Olympian. After those trials, Plummer took some time to find himself and traveled around. He would ultimately make a return at the 2013 U.S. Nationals, making the team and finishing with a silver medal in Barcelona in the 100 backstroke final. Plummer would come into the 2016 Olympic Trials as a favorite to make the field among a stacked field of competitiors. In semi-finals of the 100 backstroke, he would make a statement, swimming a 52.12 to claim the top seed and close in on Piersol's legendary World Record mark at the time. In finals, Plummer would finish 2nd to Murphy, making the U.S. Olympic team at age 30 and as a father of 2. The oldest First Time Olympian in U.S. Swimming History, Plummer would win bronze in Rio, behind Ryan Murphy and Xu Jiayu. He'd also come away with a gold medal in the 400 medley relay for his contributions in the heats.

Following the Olympics, Plummer would go quiet into retirement, the dream fulfilled and with new family challenges and happy memories awaiting him.