Heading into the 2009 Capital Athletic Conference Swimming Championships this weekend (Feb. 13-15) at St. Mary's College (Md.), the home team highlights senior freestyler Eleanor Koerner in the CAC "INTRODUCING ..." website feature.

What is your background in the sport you play?  When I was little, I was carried around so much that people thought that I didn't know how to walk. In reality, I just wasn't a fan of the whole "gravity" thing. I've been in the water in some form or another all my life: swim lessons at the YMCA, summer swimming with Westleigh Rec Club, club swimming with the Hydrosonic Tiburones, High school swimming at T.S. Wootton, and now swimming at St. Mary's!

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the docks. It's a gorgeous place to relax, hang out, and (attempt) to sail in the spring once the swim season is over.

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in?  I'm a part of Tri-beta biology honors society. We organize campus events such as Darwin Days, weekly lectures, and fundraisers. It's great to be a part of a community within my major. I also love being a dancer and choreographer in St. Mary's Dance Club, which puts on semi-annual student choreographed pieces.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I think that apathy is a pretty big issue facing college students today.  While there are many students who are very involved in their campus and very knowledgeable about the world around them, there are just as many who are apathetic.  The 2008 election had a great voter turnout, which was amazing to see. I hope this is a continuing trend, rather than just a blip.  Caring about this country and the issues we are currently facing is essential.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  Biology and English have been an amazing combination for me in college. English taught me the importance of good communication. Biology taught me that no matter how detailed you plan your experiment or your life - something is bound to act up unexpectedly and you'll have to change it all around. You have to be open to change, and be willing to work with it.  Also - wash your hands. You wouldn't believe how much bacteria are EVERYWHERE.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  I have a wonderful family made up of my teammates and friends at St. Mary's. We face so many challenges in our sports and in college; along the way they have been a wonderful source of support, advice, and comfort.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Play fair, work hard, and be satisfied that you gave it your best at the end of the day. Also - take lots of naps. Don't give that up after you leave elementary school!

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My guilty pleasure is dance. Any movie or TV show involving dance I guarantee will entertain me.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  I actually don't watch many sports, but I do love watching volleyball.  Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh were amazing during the 2008 Olympics.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead,that you'd like to have dinner with.  This is a tough one! I would like an eclectic set, so I would have to go with Eleanor Roosevelt, along with Stacey and Clinton from "What Not To Wear." It would be such a fun evening. I think Stacey and Clinton would have some good tips for everyone- former First Ladies included. Plus, Eleanor Roosevelt is such an interesting lady and an inspiration.