Cleveland State swimmer, Nicole Reddout, takes time out for a Q & A with the Horizon League

Jan. 18, 2006

Why did you decide to attend Cleveland State University?
I just wanted to go somewhere different and experience a new place.

What is the best aspect of being a part of CSU's Swimming team?
I love being a part of a team. It's like a family that you always have around day in and day out when your real family is so far away.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiate career both athletically and in the classroom?
I was pretty excited at the conference championships last year when I came back from shoulder surgery in October to swim career bests in February. It has definitely been the highlight so far. Academically, I was honored with a fellowship through the American Heart Association this past summer for research, and I would say that is at the top of list.

What do you feel has been the biggest challenge you have come across thus far?
Being away from home. It's so far away; I get homesick a lot.

What do you enjoy doing most in the off-season?
Being able to just relax. Our season is so long that off season is a warm welcome!

What did you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before a meet?
We all have a nice dinner at one of our places to just have a little fun and relax.

Being from Las Vegas, what was the biggest adjustment coming to the Midwest for college?
The weather! I could not believe that it was possible for the sun to not shine for a week straight.

Being also an excellent student, how hard has it been to juggle your academics along with training and meets the last three and a half years?
It's hard sometimes, but I've been doing it for so long that it becomes routine. It's almost weird when swimming is over because I don't know what to do with my time.

How has being a member of the Horizon League SAAC benefited you?
SAAC has definitely helped me to be a better leader. I've been able to participate in so many activities that I think end up impacting me more than those we help. It's helped me grow a lot as a person.

What are your career plans after graduation?
I'm hoping to get in to dental school for this fall. I am still waiting to hear from schools; if that doesn't happen I have no back up plan.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My parents.....they've always been there through the good times and the bad times. They're awesome!

What do you think you will miss most after you complete your senior year at CSU?
My friends......and swimming. It will be sad to think I will never swim competitvely again

If you could change one thing about your sport, what would that be?
No double workouts! It makes me so exhausted!

If you could compete in an olympic sport what would it be?
Snowboarding. I hate being outside in cold snow that will always remain a dream, but it is so awesome to watch.

What is your favorite thing about Cleveland?
The pro-sports teams. I'm not a fan of the teams but just being able to have pro sports in a city you live is cool. We don't have that in Vegas.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Benihana's...it's so good, plus they cook your food right in front of you.

Where in the world would you like to travel to and why?
Asia, Australia and back to Europe too.......everywhere!!! I can't wait to travel all over the world.

What is your "breakfast of champions?"
Egg pastina, I love it! You'll understand if you're Italian, I guess; at least that what my mom says.

If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
Led Zepplin

What is your favorite professional sports team to watch?
I love baseball, and my dad raised me a Yankee fan!!!

What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas. I love watching everyone open presents, it's the best part. Plus mom makes awesome breakfast on Christmas morning.

You have a birthday coming up. What is the number one thing you would like for your birthday?
I want to get into dental school.....that is all I ask for.

What do you like to do on a rainy day?
Play in the rain--puddles are my favorite!