Ella Ristic Eager to Pick Up Competitive Pace as Indiana Freshman
When Southern-California swimmer Ella Ristic began her freshman year as a student-athlete at Indiana University, she had already sacrificed the culmination of her high school swimming career, prom, and graduation as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. With no idea what to expect due to the uncertain climate the pandemic had created, Ristic quickly found stability and comfort in her new team.
Almost immediately upon her arrival at Indiana, a large portion of the freshman class was put into quarantine after being identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of the virus. This presented a mental and physical challenge for the eager swimmers who were ready and waiting to join the team’s practices.
Since that point, Ristic says the team has taken even more extreme caution, as they mask up and practice social distancing, successful thus far in their efforts.
“We didn’t get to go home for Thanksgiving which was hard, but we all wanted a season and that meant making some sacrifices which have paid off so far,” she said.
Ristic knew her decision to commit to Indiana would mean moving her life far away from her home state of California, but the team environment and coaching staff drew her to the program in faith the decision would benefit her in the long run.
“The hardest thing about being out of state was definitely leaving my friends and family for the first time ever. It was like leaving my comfort zone, which was very overwhelming at first,” Ristic shared.
Now, she feels at home in Indiana where she has begun a new and exciting chapter of her life, with new friends and teammates she considers family. College was a big adjustment for Ristic. Tough practices and increased training hours meant learning to navigate a new structure in her daily life. She credits working into her new schedule gradually for her smooth transition into the life of a college freshman.
“It has made me more independent and I have become better at managing my time, making sure I have time to recover and balance academics,” Ristic said.
One of her favorite aspects of the sport is competing, which the pandemic has rendered sparse.
“I think competing is the fun part of the sport and having that taken away from us for most of the season was tough,” Ristic said.
After careful planning and dedicated effort, the team has been able to get back on the blocks, and engage in modified dual meet competition, a highlight of Ristic’s college experience thus far.
“I think my favorite memory so far was getting to participate in my first actual dual meet. Watching everyone come together for the team was a new and amazing feeling,” she said.
As the team shifts its focus toward championship season, Ristic is elated and motivated by the prospect of representing Indiana in elite-level competition.
“I am excited that we are finally able to compete again with my IU teammates and for a more normal next few years regarding competition, as well as for in-person classes to start up again,” she said optimistically.
Ristic has learned to roll with the punches. She now expresses continual gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her as a student-athlete at Indiana.
“This has taught us that everything can change in the blink of an eye and we just need to stay in the present and appreciate what we are doing, even if it is as simple as holding practices,” she said.
For now, Ella Ristic will continue to enjoy her freshman year, along with her teammates, embracing the journey and excited for the future.