Story Links
Third-year Jenna Harris and the Virginia swimming and diving teams return to the pool this Wednesday at 7 p.m. against nationally ranked Florida in Gainesville, Fla. Harris recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to talk about her new year’s resolution, the team’s tough training schedule and her interest in accounting.
Question: Do you have any new year’s resolutions?
Harris: Not hard-core ones but I eat a lot of gummy candy. So as we get closer to ACCs I am trying to cut back on that. On sugar in general. I am not really big on chocolate, but anything that’s gummy, I will be trying to cut back on that in the next couple of weeks.
Question: What kind of challenges will Florida pose this week?
Harris: It’s definitely one of our most challenging meets of the year. Two years ago we went down there and it was a huge challenge. Last year we had improved a lot and the score was closer. So I think this year we are really looking to go down there and compete with them. There is going to be a lot of close races and we just want to keep impvoring.
Question: What has training been like since returning to the pool after the holidays?
Harris: We are in the middle of probably are hardest part of the year training-wise. It’s important for us to stay focused and keep thinking about what’s to come and not get discouraged. We have to keep in mind that what happens these next couple weeks could make or break the season.
Question: What is the most intense part of training?
Harris: It’s definitely more challenging mentally than physically. We are here all the time and getting through it mentally is the bigger task. We know this is what we need to be doing to win another ACC championship so we just have to keep our focus.
Question: What is your favorite event to swim?
Harris: It’s between the 200 and the 500 (free), and I would have to say the 200 because it’s shorter.
Question: What has been the highlight at Virginia for you thus far?
Harris: That’s hard. I would say winning ACCs last year, and as corny as it sounds, it was definitely the best moment so far. I can’t wait for us to hopefully do it again next month.
Question: Being from St. Louis, how did you end up at UVa?
Harris: I wanted to get out of the Midwest and I really cared about finding the balance of athletics and academics. To me there is no better place to do that than UVa. The academics are outstanding and so is the swimming.
Question: What is your major?
Harris: I am in the McIntire School of Commerce so as of right now I am concentrating on marketing and accounting. That is my goal to eventually become a CPA, so we’ll see.
Question: What peaks your interest in accounting?
Harris: I am really by-the-book and organized; I like having things a certain way. Everyone says it’s boring but I like it.
Question: What has been your favorite class at UVa thus far?
Harris: Probably the music 101 class that I took last year. It was just so different than everything else that I have been doing. It was fun and I really enjoyed it.
Question: What do you do for fun when you are not studying or swimming?
Harris: Anytime I am not doing those things I like to do something to relax, whether it’s reading for fun or watching TV. I am addicted to Bravo. My favorite show is “Real Housewives.” I don’t really watch any other channel.
Question: What is your favorite spot on Grounds?
Harris: The Lawn, hands down. Especially when it’s actually warm out and there are leaves on the trees.