Student athlete profile - Anna Gruvberger

Name: Anna Gruvberger

Year: senior

Hometown: Hinsdale

What was your vision heading into senior year?

This year I'm team captain, and a big goal for me is that I really want the whole team to just be as close as possible. I really want everyone to be super close and help make all of us have a super season.

When did you make swimming a serious pursuit?

I've been swimming since I was 4 or 5. When I was a freshman I knew I wanted to swim in college just because high school swimming had such a impact on my high school experience. So I knew that was what I wanted to do in the future.

How have you improved since freshman year?

I think as a swimmer I have gained a lot of perspective, especially how it's more of a team sport than you'd expect. I realize that I need people to cheer for me for me to do well and that my teammates need me cheering for them. I need my team behind me.

How would your teammates describe you?

I hope they'd describe me as funny and helpful. I think I like to be there for people, to give advice to them. That's something that my team can always count on me for.

Any pre-meet rituals?

I have to wear my favorite pair of lucky socks. I also like to say "Good luck" and "Good job" to the swimmers next to me.

As a butterfly specialist, do you prefer individual races or relays?

Relays are my favorite part of swimming, but I also love racing as an individual.

Where are you heading after Central?

I'm going to Cornell University to swim and study business.

What's your advice to your younger teammates?

Enjoy every moment. The days go by pretty slow, but the years really flew by for me. Make as many friends as you can and work hard, because you'll get the most out of swimming when you work hard.

Why does coach Bob Barber like having Gruvberger on the squad?

She made an immediate impact as a freshman. She currently holds four school records. She's kind of been the heart and soul of our team points over the last three years. Just a person you can really count on when it comes to taper time, a true competitor and very humble.

- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff

Author Bio

Ken Knutson is associate editor of The Hinsdalean