Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Get to Know the U.S. National Team: Role Models
Most athletes have people in their lives who they idolize – someone who can help them become better both in and out of the sport. USA Swimming recently reached out the members of the 2021-2022 U.S. National Team to hear who their role models are. Here are some of their responses:
Phoebe Bacon
I have always looked up to Katie Ledecky. She has always been a big role model to me in the pool and out. Her work ethic and determination is something so incredible and I really admire that about her.
Patrick Callan
I've always looked up to Caeleb [Dressel]. I always did even before getting to know him during the Olympic experience, but seeing him behind the scenes and seeing how genuine of a guy he is and how he doesn't let his fame gets to his head is incredibly admirable.
Kathleen Baker
My parents because they have been there to support me and pick me up every step of the way. My mom is a incredible mom who was able to run her own business while never missing a swim meet, soccer game or school play act. My coach David Marsh who is a second parent to me and someone who I idolize as a coach. He has made me a better swimmer and person. I also admire my fiancé for serving our country in the Marine Corps.
Carson Foster
Ryan Murphy - his leadership and the way he carries himself has always inspired me to act similarly.
Katharine Berkoff
Aaron Piersol, Missy Franklin and my father, Dave Berkoff, because they were all backstroke role models in my childhood and inspired me to have the goals I have today.
Matt Grevers
My dad — just a great example of the American dream. He immigrated from The Netherlands around 1972 and is hard-working, never-complaining and just a loving man.
Lydia Jacoby
Jessica Hardy because she was one of the first high level athletes I got to get to know as a person which was very eye-opening. A lot of her journey is very similar to mine and I think she’s an amazing person and appreciate everything she's done for me.
Kevin Houseman
Nathan Adrian. He's a fellow Washingtonian that hails from a city pretty close to me and I've long looked up to him since he visited an old club team I was on. He's always been a natural leader and role model and although he has no idea who I am, I hope I can meet him again one day. Also he's Asian-American which is something that has become a larger part of my identity as I've gotten older so it is cool to see representation on the swimming stage at such a high level for so long.
Katie Ledecky
My brother because of his work ethic in all that he does and because of how much he has always supported me. We have a great relationship and I try to return that support to him as well. I also look up to many of the U.S. female distance swimmers over the years, and have gotten to know many of them on a personal level — Chris (Von Saltza) Olmsted, Debbie Meyer, Janet Evans to name just a few.
Destin Lasco
I admire and look up to my training partners at Cal, especially the backstroke group (Ryan Murphy, Bryce Mefford, and Daniel Carr). Every time I train with those guys, they constantly show me what it takes to be the best and, most importantly, how to work hard through adversity and to have a growth mindset.”
Regan Smith
I admire my fellow teammates in USA Swimming. I learn so much from them about how to be a better athlete and person every day I'm with them.
Kieran Smith
I look up to Anthony Nesty, because he gives 100% of his attention and energy into his passion for coaching, so I am always striving to give him 110% back. A lot of the reason why I work so hard at UF is for him.
Erica Sullivan
Greta Gerwig, any female director. They make their mark in a male-dominant industry.
Coleman Stewart
My fiancée because she makes me strive to be a better person every day.
Luca Urlando
LeBron James is admirable. He is obviously someone who works hard on the court, but he also gives back to his community.
Emma Weyant
For personal, definitely my mom. She is the strongest and most selfless person I know and is the best "momager" I could ask for. In terms of public figures, I would say Taylor Swift. I think I've gone to every single one of her concerts I was able to, and aside from music I admire her strategic and successful business skills.
For additional responses, head to the https://www.usaswimming.org/meet-the-team.
Phoebe Bacon
I have always looked up to Katie Ledecky. She has always been a big role model to me in the pool and out. Her work ethic and determination is something so incredible and I really admire that about her.
Patrick Callan
I've always looked up to Caeleb [Dressel]. I always did even before getting to know him during the Olympic experience, but seeing him behind the scenes and seeing how genuine of a guy he is and how he doesn't let his fame gets to his head is incredibly admirable.
Kathleen Baker
My parents because they have been there to support me and pick me up every step of the way. My mom is a incredible mom who was able to run her own business while never missing a swim meet, soccer game or school play act. My coach David Marsh who is a second parent to me and someone who I idolize as a coach. He has made me a better swimmer and person. I also admire my fiancé for serving our country in the Marine Corps.
Carson Foster
Ryan Murphy - his leadership and the way he carries himself has always inspired me to act similarly.
Katharine Berkoff
Aaron Piersol, Missy Franklin and my father, Dave Berkoff, because they were all backstroke role models in my childhood and inspired me to have the goals I have today.
Matt Grevers
My dad — just a great example of the American dream. He immigrated from The Netherlands around 1972 and is hard-working, never-complaining and just a loving man.
Lydia Jacoby
Jessica Hardy because she was one of the first high level athletes I got to get to know as a person which was very eye-opening. A lot of her journey is very similar to mine and I think she’s an amazing person and appreciate everything she's done for me.
Kevin Houseman
Nathan Adrian. He's a fellow Washingtonian that hails from a city pretty close to me and I've long looked up to him since he visited an old club team I was on. He's always been a natural leader and role model and although he has no idea who I am, I hope I can meet him again one day. Also he's Asian-American which is something that has become a larger part of my identity as I've gotten older so it is cool to see representation on the swimming stage at such a high level for so long.
Katie Ledecky
My brother because of his work ethic in all that he does and because of how much he has always supported me. We have a great relationship and I try to return that support to him as well. I also look up to many of the U.S. female distance swimmers over the years, and have gotten to know many of them on a personal level — Chris (Von Saltza) Olmsted, Debbie Meyer, Janet Evans to name just a few.
Destin Lasco
I admire and look up to my training partners at Cal, especially the backstroke group (Ryan Murphy, Bryce Mefford, and Daniel Carr). Every time I train with those guys, they constantly show me what it takes to be the best and, most importantly, how to work hard through adversity and to have a growth mindset.”
Regan Smith
I admire my fellow teammates in USA Swimming. I learn so much from them about how to be a better athlete and person every day I'm with them.
Kieran Smith
I look up to Anthony Nesty, because he gives 100% of his attention and energy into his passion for coaching, so I am always striving to give him 110% back. A lot of the reason why I work so hard at UF is for him.
Erica Sullivan
Greta Gerwig, any female director. They make their mark in a male-dominant industry.
Coleman Stewart
My fiancée because she makes me strive to be a better person every day.
Luca Urlando
LeBron James is admirable. He is obviously someone who works hard on the court, but he also gives back to his community.
Emma Weyant
For personal, definitely my mom. She is the strongest and most selfless person I know and is the best "momager" I could ask for. In terms of public figures, I would say Taylor Swift. I think I've gone to every single one of her concerts I was able to, and aside from music I admire her strategic and successful business skills.
For additional responses, head to the https://www.usaswimming.org/meet-the-team.