By Rachel Ewart, Swimming World College Intern
ARKADELPHIA- Freshman Jake Davies has traveled quite the distance from England to become a collegiate swimmer in the U.S. However, being away from home hasn’t been too bad with the support of a newly-formed swim team that has seen drastic success.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Davies is originally from Margate, England, where he began swimming at age four and slowly developed a passion for the sport. Last year he made the bold decision to come overseas for college swimming.
Not only did Davies choose to venture to America, but he also chose to join a swimming program that is brand new.
“I discovered the Lindenwood University in Belleville, Illinois through an agent I had. Speaking to Coach Mandy was a big reason why I came to the school. She was always willing to answer any questions I had,” Davies said. “As it was a first year program, I was hesitant at first to sign, but looking back, I couldn’t have made a better decision.”
Head swimming and diving coach Mandy Chun mentions that Lynx Swimming is currently finishing up its inaugural season with a strong roster of 30 student-athletes. The team’s hashtag for the season is #HistoryintheMaking, which represents the foundation and traditions that are being created for the future.
“With a roster of majority freshmen, the team has come together and worked hard to become successful both in and out of the pool,” Chun said. “The team has grown strong since August, competing at their first taper meet in December with 100 percent of the team hitting a personal best time in one or more events.”
FOREIGN PERSPECTIVE
Adjusting to the change of lifestyle has not been too difficult for Davies, as he has settled into the States with a supportive swim team that he has bonded tremendously with.
“Being away from my family was hard at first and I knew I couldn’t just go home for the weekend, but being with my teammates, my swim family, made it so much easier for me,” Davies said.
Davies has met some incredible people through college swimming and has also had the opportunity to be immersed in American culture.
Coach Chun believes that foreigners bring a unique perspective of work ethic, training, meet preparation and overall focus to the team.
“International student-athletes challenge each other, therefore set the bar higher for U.S. student-athletes. They also are extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to swim and compete in college, bringing a refreshing take on college swimming,” states Chun.
Photo Courtesy: Lindenwood-Belleville
JAKE’S IMPACT ON THE TEAM
As a first year program, Coach Chun explained that there would be no team captains, but she expected team leaders to emerge.
“Jake’s strong work ethic in practice has helped set a good example for others. He has constantly encouraged others to push past their limits in practices to gain results,” Chun said.
In addition to being a strong leader, Davies brings an electric, contagious form of energy to the team.
“Jake has been extremely supportive of his teammates. At every competition, if he is not preparing for his own races, he is behind the blocks cheering for his teammates.” says Chun. “Whenever he is in the first relay of a meet, he sends a volt of electricity throughout his relay team. Seriously, it’s crazy how much excitement he brings and how contagious it is.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Davies has seen progress in his swimming since coming to college. He currently has NAIA National cuts in the 100 breaststroke, 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle. His goal for nationals is to go under a minute in the 100 breaststroke.
Coach Chun has also helped expand Davies’ versatility as a swimmer by training him for additional events other than breaststroke and sprint events.
“Jake has drastically improved his swimming throughout this season- he swore he was a sprinter and breaststroker. He can now say that he has swam the 400 I.M. and the 500 freestyle with success,” Chun said.
Although Davies is only one individual on the Lynx swim team, he is an excellent example of the character of the team.
“Swimming means everything to me. Having a great team around me makes it easier to wake up early for practice. Naturally you fall in and out of love for the sport at certain times, but college swimming and has given me a new energy for the sport,” Davies said.
After college, Jake aspires to travel the world and pursue a career as a swim coach.