Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1499272
28 WAC Magazine | wac.net Meet the athlete Anne Maercklein By Joey Carreon Anne Maercklein took up swimming as a child in Wisconsin. She dominated the state high school swim circuit on her way to a four-year Division I swim career at the University of Pennsylvania (2010–2014). After college, she began her investment banking career in New York before moving to Seattle in 2021 and joining the WAC. You'll find Anne working out in Helene Madison Pool, hanging out in Hagerty's, or enjoying a 20s/30s social event. Q. How did you balance a Division I swim season with a full Ivy League academic workload? A. When you have so little time, you quickly learn the importance of time management and staying organized. is sense of determination and focus has helped me throughout my professional career, as well. Q. What's the hardest part about swimming competitively at the Division I level? A. You train all season for a champion- ship meet at the end. us, you compete in a lot of meets where you are not fully rested and won't come close to a "best time." is can be quite mentally challenging. Q. What was your favorite stroke to swim and why? A. Breaststroke. It was the most natural to me. Plus, it was always the most fun to practice. Q. What are some of your favorite moments from your swim career? A. During high school, my sister and I were on a 200-medley relay team that won the state championship meet. is might have also been my mom's proudest moment! I also enjoyed junior nationals in Federal Way in 2009 and the Ivy League championship in college. It's funny—I remember all the best times, including wins by a fraction of a second and cheering on my friends, but not so much the grueling work we put in to get there. Q. Do you have any advice for young swimmers looking to make it to the collegiate level? A. ere will be days, weeks, and sometimes even months where you are tired and want to quit. at's normal and it happens to everyone. Although it can seem like an individual sport at times, it is truly a team sport. Lean on your friends to help you get through it and— most importantly—have fun with them! living fit meet the athlete E M I L I O H U E R TA S Virtual Swim Coaching Take the WAC Swim School on the go during your busy summer schedule. Enjoy custom workouts by WAC Swim Instructor Simona McIntyre, designed to focus on technique, endurance, injury rehab, and more. Learn more about Simona and her services online. wac.net/virtual-swim-coaching