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Kristen Wallace, a fourth-year on the Virginia swimming and diving team, recently chatted with VirginiaSports.com about the upcoming season, her favorite memory as a Cavalier, advice she gives the freshmen and the added pressure of being the defending ACC champions. Wallace and the Cavaliers officially open the 2008-09 campaign Oct. 24 at South Carolina.
Question: What did you do over the summer?
Wallace: I stayed in Charlottesville to train and take summer classes. In August, I went to our family cabin in Canada with my parents and relatives. While there, I enjoyed water skiing, tubing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and riding on the Waverunner.
Question: Are you looking forward to your senior season?
Wallace: Yes. I am so excited to be a team leader and help UVa defend an ACC title. I can’t believe I am a fourth-year. It’s gone by so fast!
Question: What are the team’s goals for this season? What are your personal goals?
Wallace: Our team goals are to become ACC champions and place in the top 20 at NCAAs. My personal goals are to be an ACC champion in a relay event, set a UVa pool record (relay) and qualify for NCAAs.
Question: Is there added pressure being the defending ACC champions?
Wallace: Yes. It will be hard to top last year’s performance; however, we have a great team this year and I believe we will prove ourselves to the rest of the ACC that we deserve to be on top.
Question: What has been your favorite moment of your Virginia career thus far?
Wallace: I have two. Qualifying and competing at the NCAA Championships last spring in Columbus, which is my hometown. And winning ACCs last year for the first time and by such a huge margin!
Question: As a senior, what kind of advice do you give the first-years?
Wallace: Hard work and determination pays off. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself have confidence in your training. Stay positive for yourself and your teammates.
Question: What advice would you give to future Virginia swimmers? What should they know about the program?
Wallace: The UVa swim team is a family in and out of the pool. I love and respect each of my teammates and I have learned so much about myself through the program. It’s been a great tradition to be a part of and I feel so lucky to have been a member of this team.
Question: Do you have a favorite Coach Bernardino quote or saying?
Wallace: “We don’t take shortcuts.”
Question: What are you majoring in?
Wallace: My major is health and physical education. I will graduate in 2010 with my master’s degree in education.
Question: What is your favorite spot on Grounds?
Wallace: The Lawn.