Q&A with Brady Fox

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Sophomore Brady Fox and the 11th-ranked men’s swimming and diving teams return to the pool this weekend for a two-day double dual meet with Big Ten foes Indiana and Penn State. The action gets underway at 6 p.m. and concludes with a second session at 10 a.m. Saturday. Fox, a native of Olney, Md., recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to talk about the upcoming meet, returning to the pool and his musical tastes.

Question: You missed most of last season battling injury, what has it been like for you to come back and race this season?
Fox: It’s been really good to finally be able to race. Last year was really frustrating both for myself but not being able to compete for the team that much. It has been great to be back involved and to see what I can do.

Question: Was there a different aspect to last season being part of the team but not being able to compete? Was there anything you were able to learn?
Fox: It was just hard seeing everyone compete and swim fast, knowing you could potentially be swimming fast too. But I was still able to learn how to be part of a team. I hadn’t been part of a team before I came to college, so it was a new thing for me. I am looking forward to this year.

Question: Last weekend, you guys got two wins over Virginia Tech and Princeton. What did you take away from that meet?
Fox: We are getting faster as the season goes on and are seeing where our hard work can take us. It is a great thing to see when we drop time.

Question: What is the mentality going into this weekend’s meet with two strong teams in Indiana and Penn State coming in?
Fox: We just have to get up and race. Indiana is a solid team and will present more of a challenge and teach us how to race. It is really nice being able to swim at home; you don’t get as tired from the travel.

Question: What is your favorite event to swim?
Fox: Probably the 200 backstroke because it is my best event.

Question: What is the hardest thing about the backstroke events for you?
Fox: Working on your turns; mine aren’t very good. I’ve been working on them pretty hard. Holding your breath and hitting the wall, it tires you out pretty fast.

Question: What made you decide to come to UVa?
Fox: The team. A bunch of schools are very similar as far as swimming and academics go. For me it came down to the team aspect and how close everyone was.

Question: Have you thought about a major yet?
Fox: I am applying to get into the commerce school right now, so we’ll see how it goes. I would eventually like to start my own business.

Question: What do you like to do for fun?
Fox: I really like to listen to music. Jack Johnson, Donavon Frankenreiter and Ben Harper.

Question: What is the best concert you have been to?
Fox: I would say O.A.R. a couple years ago. I would like to see Jack Johnson live but haven’t been able to yet.

Question: What is your favorite spot in Charlottesville?
Fox: Buffalo Wild Wings watching the Packers. You’ll find be there all day on Sundays.