What’s your favorite movie?

Ratatouille, the Disney movie

 

Who is the best high school athlete you have competed against?

Cameron Zuliani from Buckhannon-Upshur because not only is she an amazing swimmer but she also plays a multitude of other sports. She’s the kicker for her football team, plays soccer and runs track. She is just an amazing athlete.

 

Favorite subject in school?

Science. I love science. I want to be a doctor so either biology or chemistry, it’s a tie.

 

Any pre-meet superstitions or rituals?

I listen to the same few songs, I have a playlist I listen to before every meet.

 

You have to go into quarantine, what three items do you make sure you have with you?

My phone, my weighted blanket and coffee.

 

What meet of your career sticks out the most?

I have two meets that really stick out to me. The first one was the summer going into my junior year. I went to a Zones meet in North Carolina and it was so much fun. It’s where a bunch of swimmers from all over the state go and compete against states from here all the way down to Texas. It was so much fun and such a bonding experience.

The other swim meet would be my first high school meet ever. It was at Wheeling Park. It was so much fun and exciting.

 

Describe Coach Grisso in one word and describe Coach Madden in one word

For Jan, I would say enthusiastic and for Wendy I would say she is a team player.

 

Celebrity Crush?

Drake

 

With the high school swim season over, what are most looking forward to for the rest of the school year?

I’m excited to go back and start going to yoga classes.

 

Any secret talents that most people would be surprised to know you have?

I can make my tongue look like a three-leaf clover. I also like to paint.

 

Who’s the funniest swimmer on the BHS swimming team?

Marcel Rodriguez

 

If you could have theme music when you come out for an event, what song is playing?

I’m going to give two songs either Centuries by Fall Out Boy or Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore.

 

Where’s one place in the world you have never been to that you would like to visit?

I would love to travel the Oregon coastline.

 

Favorite meal?

Pasta and meatballs at my Grandma’s house. And she always makes her own bread and it’s so good.

 

Favorite pro or college athlete?

Maggie MacNeil, she swims at Michigan and she is a butterflier.

 

Favorite pro or college team?

The Stanford women’s swim team. They have so many Olympians on their team, it’s so fun to watch them.

 

2020 was a rough year for everybody, what’s one positive you can take from it?

I got a lot closer with my family. Also, I became super grateful for my friends.

 

The coolest animal at the zoo?

I like sloths

 

Most memorable sports moment you have had as a fan?

I was in eighth grade and I was watching the high school state meet and this is when it was still at the Natatorium in Morgantown. Two girls tied in the 100 freestyle. They hugged each other in the middle of the pool. Everybody was so happy for them in the stands, it was so exciting to watch. I knew both of those girls and it was just so fun to watch them both do so well and be happy for each other.

 

What’s one thing it seems like everybody you know likes but you can’t stand?

Probably salads or pickles or I also can’t stand mayo. I’m a picky eater. Anything with like a vinegar smell in it, I can’t do.

 

The best thing on TV right now is?

I really liked the Twilight series. I know it came out a while ago but I’ve watched the entire series like 10 times. I am Team Edward for sure.

 

What is the most important thing being an athlete at BHS has taught you?

I don’t know if this is specifically just at Bridgeport but being an athlete overall I think has taught me how to prioritize my time and go after things I want.

 

There’s a young kid in the community just getting into swimming, what advice do you give him or her?

My advice would be to focus on how much fun it is and the people around you because as you go on through this sport you are definitely going to be training more hours and you are going to have morning practices and you are going to have doubles. I think sometimes we forget the reason why we started and it was because we love it and we do it for the fun of it.

 

Editor's Note: Photos of Urse courtesy of www.benqueenphotography.com