Beth Tsuha ’17 won four events in the women’s swimming and diving team’s last meet against Coe College. She won in the 100-yard freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 individual medley and the 400 freestyle relay. With the Pioneers hosting the Midwest Conference Championships this weekend, Tsuha hopes to a make a splash on the big stage.
When did you start swimming?
When I was two and a half, I started learning how to swim. I took lessons and then I did novice, club swimming, high school and now college.
Do you have a favorite stroke or event?
100-yard and 200-yard freestyle. I am more of a sprinter.
How has it been adjusting from Hawaii to Iowa?
It took a while. It’s really different. It snowed today, and I was really excited because it doesn’t snow in Hawaii. It hasn’t been too bad, but I’m not fully adjusted.
What is your favorite part about swimming at Grinnell?
The team! Everyone is really friendly and fun.
Do you have any advice for a younger swimmer or someone who is just starting out in the sport?
Have fun! Don’t take it too seriously. You have a long time to figure out what you want to do and if you want to keep swimming. If you don’t want to swim it’s fine—you’re not committed.
Was there ever a time when you wanted to quit swimming?
In high school, I think my sophomore or freshman year I wanted to stop swimming because there was drama on our team and I was just tired of it. My parents told me to keep swimming. Looking back at it I’m glad they told me to keep with it.
How did you decide to come to Grinnell?
I didn’t want to go to a school close to home because growing up on an island, you are kind of stuck there your whole life and you want to get off and explore different parts of the country. That’s part of it. I also wanted to try something different. The weather is a lot different here and I just like being far away.
Did you feel confident going into the meet against Coe College? Were you surprised by how well you did?
I wasn’t expecting to do so well at this meet. I was very surprised with my 100 back. Going into this meet, I was kind of nervous because I haven’t swam the 100 back since the beginning of the season.
What was the highlight of the meet?
The highlight of the meet would have to be the 100-yard backstroke, just because I went my best time ever in that event.
