Making Waves

Swimmer makes a splash in and out of the pool

October 21, 2008

Elizabeth Schroll '10 is making impressive waves in and out of the pool.

Elizabeth Schroll '10 is a top performer in the classroom, the swimming pool and the modesty department.

The academic and athletics standout from Moorestown, N.J., holds the Dickinson record in the 200-yard individual medley (2:13.94) and shares the 200-yard medley record (1:53.04) with teammates Serena Gibney '09, Kim Ogren '08 and Jessica Hassinger '11.

"Probably the biggest thing I like about the sport is being part of a team and having all my friends swim along with me," said Schroll, a history major with plans to minor in economics. "Also, it's a fun thing to do. I don't consider myself really intense about it. I do it for fun."

Setting goals

Schroll has personal goals but, like any good athlete, she keeps them to herself.

"I'm not comfortable saying that there is a record that I am looking to break," she said. "I'm more interested in achieving my personal goal times."

That kind of talk is heartening to Dickinson swim coach Paul Richards.

"She's an amazing person—a dedicated athlete and a dedicated teammate," Richards said. "Elizabeth is the epitome of a Division III student-athlete. She's one of the hardest workers on the team—very humble and very team-oriented. She will swim any event that we need her to swim and will do it well. She is always the first one to congratulate other swimmers or encourage them when they need motivation."

Schroll's dedication also extends to dry land. She is a member of the 2008 Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll. Only key players who are sophomores or higher with a GPA of 3.4 or better are eligible. She also volunteers in the office of Carlisle Cares, an organization that provides shelter and other aid to the homeless.

"She's got a great work ethic," Richards said. "She's got the ability to challenge other freestyle records."

Many swimmers do well in one or two events, but Schroll excels in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

"She swims them all well, which is not the norm," Richards said

Schroll, who began swimming at age 6, said she enjoyed all of the attention her sport received during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, when another talented swimmer, Michael Phelps, broke multiple records.

"Michael Phelps really brought the sport to the forefront," she said. "I hope that interest continues."

So while she weighs her career options, Schroll remains focused on classes and swimming. She also works her campus job, one for which she has plenty of experience—a lifeguard at the Kline Center pool.