By TIM TAYLORValley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens senior Elizabeth Denlinger has put together an impressive career in the pool. Now, she will look to make a big splash at Misericordia University, having signed her National Letter of Intent on Tuesday to compete for the Cougars.
She chose to become part of the Cougar Nation because it felt like home.
“I toured other schools, and I just didn't feel at home, so when I went to Misericordia, it felt natural, and I really felt like I belonged, and I was really excited to be there when I visited,” she said.
Misericordia is not too far away from her real home either, about an hour and 40 minutes, she added.
While she met District 4 qualifying times in all the individual swimming events, Denlinger believes she has more to offer the program than physical talent.
“Definitely my determination and excitement for swimming,” she said. “I set goals for myself and I do my best to accomplish them, so this year I decided I was going to qualify for districts in all of the eight events individually, and I went and did that.
“I'm really excited to bring that to the college team and be able to dedicate myself to whatever goals me and my coaches set.”
Although it may not seem like it, Denlinger feels she needs to work on confidence.
”I think I need to work on my confidence, swimming, because I definitely get nervous about my own strokes and ability level,” she said.
Athens coach Mark Keister likes what she has to offer Misericordia.
“One is a lot of determination,” he said. “She is a very good competitor and I think she will be able to fill in any holes that the program's looking for.”
If there is any weakness in Denlinger’s swimming ability, it may be due to the fact she hasn’t really focused on any specific events.
“As she said, she qualified in every stroke, so I think she can still make a big improvement once she starts specializing at the college level.
Denlinger will focus her undergrad studies on Business Administration Management, then follow with a doctorate for Physical Therapy.
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
