Grantham, PA – The Messiah women's swim team is currently enjoying their winter break, but that doesn't mean they aren't thinking about getting back into the water in the New Year. The Falcons had a strong first half of the season going 6-2 which included wins over conference opponents Widener University, Hood College, and Lycoming College, as well as a strong win over Susquehanna University. Messiah is seeking their fourth-straight MAC Championship Title and senior
Emily Reale will most certainly be an influential part of the process. One of the most decorated swimmers in Messiah history, she collected seven gold medals last year at MAC's and was also named the Swimmer of the Year, the first in program history. She will look to lead the team when they return to action on Jan. 12, 2017 with a double-dual against Arcadia University and King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
We decided to catch with Emily to learn more about her Messiah experience in in this week's edition of #WhyMessiah
What are the names of the rest of your family (parents, siblings, etc.) and where do you fall among siblings (if applicable)?
My parents are Robert and Karen Reale, and I have a younger sister named Carrie.
Why did you come to Messiah and/or why do you love being at Messiah?
I came to Messiah because of the support the academic staff and the athletic staff demonstrated that they would provide with both studying biochemistry and swimming. The environment is friendly and like family. It's a great place to learn and grow.
Why did you choose your specific major here at Messiah? Have you enjoyed your study in it? Why or why not?
I took a biochemistry course in high school and fell in love with the integration of both chemistry and biology into one applied area. When I visited Messiah, I was able to meet a lot of the professors in the chemistry and biochemistry department and they were all extremely friendly and very impressive. I have loved studying biochemistry here because of the content, the professors, and my classmates. It has truly been a fantastic experience and I really appreciate how the department helps you integrate your faith into this field of study.
How do you balance your academic work and your commitment to your sport?
I work really hard to manage my time well and make the most of the time I do have to do homework or to practice. I usually have to go to bed a little later than I would prefer to get it all done, but it all works out.
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My family. They support me in every facet of life and I can't thank them enough for that. I would not be where I am or who I am today without them.
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates, and how would you explain that to a recruit or someone outside of the program?
I love how much our team pursues and chases relationships with Christ together. We do a devotion every day before practice and pray often as a team. We also hold weekly Bible studies. It is amazing to see God work through your team and how much closer you can grow as a group when God is included each day. I think that is what sets Messiah's sports teams in general apart from others and makes it such a special place to pursue collegiate athletics.
What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
We have an event called Thankswimming right before we go on Thanksgiving break. This tradition is my favorite because there is a lot of food involved, but also because it is a chance for us to be all-together and acknowledge everything we are thankful for.
Do you have a pre-meet ritual or habit? If so, what is it?
Before I step up to the blocks I usually stretch, jump around a little, and slap my legs and arms to get my blood flowing. Then I find my dad in the stands and exchange a hand signal that means "focus." That makes me smile and excited to race.
What is the toughest part of being a collegiate student-athlete? How do you live or grow through this at Messiah?
Managing the balance between school, practices, sleep, and attempting a social life. The coaches, professors, and my teammates have helped me with this a lot and trying to balance all four (some days are better than others) has taught me a lot of very valuable life lessons.
What is your favorite Messiah memory?
My freshman year, the women's team won the swimming program's first conference championship. Being underdogs and working together to accomplish the team dream was an amazing journey to be a part of. The rest of the conference made a tunnel for us to run under and I will never forget that run up to the podium as a team.
If you had to answer the question #WhyMessiah what would you say?
Why Messiah? The people. At Messiah you are surrounded by a community of people who care about you as a person, are intentional about helping you succeed, and challenge you to grow in Christ.
