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Sage Ohlensehlen is a sophomore on the University of Iowa swimming and diving team. The Bettendorf, Iowa, native enters her second year on the team as one of the top breaststrokers. She currently sits third in both the 100 and 200 breast on the team.
What goals do you and the team hope to accomplish this year?
“For me personally I hope to make finals at the Big Ten Championships. It’s a big step up for me, but it’s definitely possible and is what I’m working toward every day in practice. As a team we want to build a better team atmosphere and get closer so we can push each other to be better in the pool.”
How has the team transitioned from last year to this year?
“This year is a lot different from last year in a good way. A lot has changed especially since we have a new assistant coach (Sarah Stockwell-Gregson). It took us all by surprise at first because our training has changed so much from last year. We’ve seen an improvement from everyone swimming better, especially against big time opponents. As an example, we scored more points against Minnesota this year with even less people. We’re on the right track.”
What has been your favorite memory surrounding the team?
“My favorite memory is from training trip. Getting the opportunity to fly to Florida, train in an outdoor pool, and stay in a cool hotel all helped me get to know everyone. I’m excited for training trip this year.”
What is your best advice for this year’s freshmen?
“You have to shake things off and keep moving. The first year may not go well, but the next three years you’ll know exactly what to do and you’ll be ready.”
What is the best advice you were given by a coach?
“It was given to me by a coach, I didn’t really like at all. He told me to swim my own race. I’m someone who likes to look in the lane next to me, but lately I’ve been focusing on myself. That phrase is something I say to myself before every race.”
Who has been the most influential person to you since you came to Iowa?
“(Assistant coach) Roman (Trussov) has been great to me since I’ve been here. Last year he helped me through some things and helped me with my technique. He has helped me grow as a person and swimmer.”
What made you choose Iowa?
“I’ve wanted to go to Iowa since I went to swim camp when I was 12. I never went on a recruiting trip because when (former associate head coach) Frannie (Malone) contacted me, I immediately said yes. I always wanted to go since my family loved Iowa for so long. It had always been my dream.”
If not swimming, what other sport would you enjoy the most?
“I used to do cross country when I was younger and I loved it. The only problem is that running is really hard.”
What do you do to prepare before meets?
“I have a pump up playlist and I always listen to it before meets and races.”
What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“I’m at the pool all the time for practice, hanging out, changing, etc… so I have to say the pool.”
Favorite meal?
“Pizza Hut meat lovers pizza or a Jimmy John’s sandwich.”
Favorite Book?
“Harry Potter. I’m a creative writing major thanks to Harry Potter. I started reading the books when I was in third grade, and I re-read them every summer. I’m also pumped for the second fantastic
beast movie to come out.”
What superpower would you want the most?
“I’d want to be like Spiderman and shoot webs, but also be able to run on them because I’ve seen a teammate play the video game and it seems interesting.”
What fictional universe would you like to be in?
“How could I not say Hogwarts. Being a wizard would be a dream come true. I’m still waiting for my letter.”
