Dec. 3, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. - Tiara Swindell, already an accomplished competitor at George Mason University, is preparing for a strong junior season. The three-time NCAA East Regional Qualifier, 13-time ECAC Qualifier, CAA Champion, and CAA Rookie of the Year in her freshman year sat down with GoMason.com for a short interview.

GoMason.com: What have you learned from competing in the NCAA East Regional Championships that will help you perform better in the future?
Swindell: I think that competing at the NCAA East Regional Championships has allowed me to actually experience what it's like to be there. Before going you don't know what to expect or even what the atmosphere is like. Heading into the NCAA East Regional Championships this year I have a greater sense of what's to come and I'll be able to focus more on competing instead of being shocked.

GoMason.com: As a freshman, you earned CAA Rookie of the Year honors, what was that like and how did it motivate you through your career?
Swindell: Getting the CAA Rookie of the Year award was a shock. I believe it was the number of races I ran at a competitive level that made the difference. But when it came down to the last race, the 4x400 meter relay, which I wasn't supposed to run at first, I was tired and really didn't want to do it at the time. Looking back at it now, I'm glad I was forced to run it because it set me apart from the other rookies in the CAA. Now I know what it takes and I take the experience with me whenever I'm tired!

GoMason.com: How does the team look this season from your perspective?
Swindell: This season I think we have a really good squad that will produce amazing results. I do believe there will be a lot of new faces joining us at the NCAA East Regional Championships, with many of the same faces heading to the NCAA Championships. Mason is without a doubt the team to look out for over the next few years. Mason will be that team!!

GoMason.com: What made you choose to come to Mason?
Swindell: I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure what made me choose Mason. When I came here I loved my visit but at the time I wasn't sure it was the school for me. My family was excited and was like, 'you should go' and somewhere along the way Mason became My Mason!

GoMason.com: How have Coach Gerard and his staff helped you improve as an athlete?
Swindell: So far this year the staff has been very helpful both mentally and physically. When I have my down moments I know there is always someone to listen and that I can turn to. Likewise, I have definitely gotten stronger mentally and physically in ways that will allow to me to compete at a higher level.

GoMason.com: How are you able to find a balance between the demands of being an athlete with the demands of also performing well in the classroom?
Swindell: At times balancing school and track can be a hassle. But we have such caring coaches and academic coordinators that they just won't allow any kind of failure in the classroom. If you need extra study time then you talk to the coaches and change practice a little. They are very cooperative with making sure all athletes have success both on and off the track.

GoMason.com: What do you like to do in your free time?
Swindell: In my free time, I love to sleep, spend time on the piano and play video games. My cousin is always ready to play games when I come over even if he wasn't in the mood before. And the piano is my stress reliever, it is my way of letting feelings go without saying a word...the piano understands me.

GoMason.com: What is on your iPod?
Swindell: I have everything from country to rap. I do have a meet playlist that has a lot of upbeat songs like: Get Low, Kryptonite, Walk It Out and a bunch of others that keep my mind off being nervous and just relaxing.

GoMason.com What has been your favorite class at Mason?
Swindell: Probably strategic management, even though it's a hard class. I love my professor; he keeps us entertained.

GoMason.com: Your major is health care systems management, why are you interested in that field?
Swindell: I actually love to help people but unfortunately I do not agree with the state of the health care systems. I think the system has a lot of flaws that need to be worked out, and that's what I plan on dedicating my career towards.