Academy of Notre Dame swimmer Mia Abruzzo is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
In her first meet of the season, the Academy of Notre Dame freshman finished first in the 100 butterfly (56.25) and 100 breaststroke (1:06.85) against Episcopal Academy, setting school records in both events. Monday, she set another school record in the 50 free (leading off the 200 free relay) with a time of 24.20. Earlier this year, she received her first Summer Junior National Cut in the 200 IM with a time of 2:20.56. Academy of Notre Dame swimming coach Brigit Barry said, “Mia is the most talented swimmer to be a part of Notre Dame’s swimming program since its inception 18 years ago. Mia is every coaches dream- She works extremely hard and has the ability to motivate herself and her teammates. Most importantly, Mia is a positive influence on those around her. Mia is a diverse swimmer and will most definitely leave her mark on record books during her career as an Irish swimmer. While Mia is making a name for herself on the National swimming stage, she is still a 14- year-old quick-witted high school freshman with an infectious smile.”
Q: What was the key to your success in your first meet of the season?
A: On the day of the meet, I was so excited to be apart of such a wonderful team with so many supportive teammates, and wanted to help us score some more points as possible.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day, or cycle, of training?
A: On a typical weekday, I will wake up around 5 a.m. and complete a half hour of vasa and erg (on land swimming machine), and then go to morning practice where I will typically swim for around an hour and 15 minutes. Then, after school I will go right from school to the pool where I practice from 3:45-6 p.m. After I am done swimming, I will usually go into the gym and do dryland for about 40 minutes.
Q: What aspects of your swimming have you been working on?
A: Recently, I have been trying to work on my distance work and trying to lower my pace work.
Q: What pool did you first swim for?
A: I first learned to swim at Plymouth Whitemarsh Aquatic Club, which is located at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, where is also where I currently swim.
Q: Who have been your biggest swimming mentors, and what was the most important thing each of the taught you?
A: Two of my biggest mentors are my current two swim coaches Caroline Boland and Richard Shoulberg. Both of these wonderful have not only taught me how to become a better swimmer, but how to become a better person.
Q: Tell us a little about your preparation the day of a meet.
A: During the day of the meet, I just tried to focus on racing well and staying relaxed and loose.
Fun facts – Mia Abruzzo
Favorite book: And Then There Were None.
Favorite TV show: The Office.
Favorite movie: We’re the Millers.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: “The shore.”
Person I admire most: “My brother Andrew has inspired me to be the best I can be every day.”
Siblings: older brother Andrew, younger sisters Tori and Gabi.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
