Another of Sweetser's freshman year highlights was her win in the 500 freestyle at Easterns. It marked Harvard's first win--outside of diving--in many years at the tourney. It was also Scalise's first win ever at Easterns.

As a sophomore, Sweetser was a member of one of four relays that qualified for the NCAA championships, marking the first time Harvard had ever sent swimmers on to national competition.

Sweetser said she has high expectations for this season. "We have a really good team this year," she said. "Maura has built up the women's swimming program over the last few years."

Because she must fulfill her Marine Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship requirements, Sweetser is unable to swim competitively over the summers.

The summer provides a good break for Sweetser, a middle distance freestyler who competes in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle events and practices with the team nine times a week during the school year.

"We have a very close-knit team," Sweetser said. "Swimming takes up a lot of time and the training is really hard. You are so tired that you tend to gravitate toward others in the same position."

Sweetser said swimming for Harvard--and especially winning an Ivy League title freshman year--isvery special. "Wearing Harvard on your back isgreat," she said. "It is a great concept that anacademic school like Harvard can do somethingathletic like that."

Sweetser will have to continue fulfilling herfour-year ROTC commitment after graduation, and isunsure of her plans after that.

"Swimming is a great experience in college,"she said. "There are a lot of team things and teamgoals, but there are also individual goals whichpay off. I swim because I love it, and I don't seemyself finding something this special aftercollege.