Jaime Lyon (Spokane, Wash./Mt. Spokane HS) is in her fourth season with the Pepperdine women’s swimming program.  Throughout her time with the Waves she has become one of the team’s most improved swimmers.   In her final season she has accomplished a number of personal best times.  Lyon recently sat down with pepperdinesports.com and talked about the final swim meet of her college career, her involvement in the science division and her plans to get married and go to graduate school.

 

Q:  Why did you choose Pepperdine?

 

A:  “I chose Pepperdine for three reasons:  the swimming program, the sports medicine department and its faith-centered values. I found schools that had each one of these things, but not all three together.”

 

Q:  What is your favorite Pepperdine memory?

 

A:  “The conference meet last year was amazing. It was the first time I felt at home at Pepperdine. The team grew so much last year.”

 

Q:  Your times have greatly improved since last year. What do you attribute your success to?

 

A:  Every year I become more aware of how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing.  I look back each year to see what I can improve on. I have also become more motivated, especially in my last year. Coach Nick (Rodionoff) is also aware of where I can improve.”

 

Q:  What is your favorite event and why?

 

A:  “200 Fly. It takes both physical and mental toughness. When you get out of the pool you have a feeling of accomplishment.”

 

Q:  Do you have any pre-meet rituals?

 

A:  “I eat oatmeal every day of the meet and listen to music.”

 

Q:  What is your favorite thing about the sport?

 

A:  “Everything else disappears when you’re in the water.”

 

Q:  The swim season spans over five months, how do you stay motivated?

 

A:  “The team helps because we work together. I also set small milestones throughout the season.”

 

Q:  What are you feelings about the last meet of your college career?

 

A:  It’s bittersweet. I am ready to move on, but swimming has been a part of my life for 11 years. It’s exciting going into it, but I don’t want to think about how I’ll feel afterwards.”

 

Q:  What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t swimming?

 

A:  “When I’m home I like to wakeboard, but I also like cooking and running.”

 

Q:  What things are you involved in outside of the pool?

 

A:  “I’m a research assistant, teacher’s assistant, an intern at St. John’s Hospital, working on my Certificate in Personal Training and I’m involved in Campus Ministry.”

 

Q:  You have research that is in the process of being published and are active in the Natural Science Division doing research. What type of research are you currently working on?

 

A:  “I’m doing a postpartum yoga study. I’m looking at the body composition and development in babies and the changes that occur in the mother and child.”

 

Q:  Do you see yourself staying involved in swimming after you graduate?

 

A:  “Yes, in triathlons. I will also do master’s swimming. I like the accountability of having someone to push you during a workout.”

 

Q:  What do you like most about being a Pepperdine student-athlete?

 

A:  “It helps develop you as a whole.”

 

Q:  What will you miss most about Pepperdine?

 

A:  “My girls on the swim team.”

 

Q:  What are your plans for next year?

 

A:  “This summer I am getting married in Spokane, Wash. As of now, I’ll be a student in the USC physical therapy program in the fall.”