Piper Crosby ’24 on Swimming, College Life, and Achievements

Piper Crosby ’24 on Swimming, College Life, and Achievements

We sat down with Piper Crosby, an American University Eagles swim team member, to discuss her experiences as a student-athlete, her achievements in the pool, and her life in Washington, DC.

Alumni Office (AO): Can you start by introducing yourself, your name, graduation year, and where you're at right now?

Piper Crosby (PC): I'm Piper Crosby. I graduated with the Breck Class of 2024 and am now at American University in Washington, DC.

AO: Piper, you are part of the American University Eagles swim team. How has that shaped you as an athlete and a person?

PC: I'd say as an athlete, it's definitely made me more dedicated and competitive. Being part of a group with similar aspirations and attitudes toward swimming has really challenged me and pushed me to work harder at practice. As a person, it's made me more well-rounded and organized. Being a student-athlete has made me manage my schedule effectively.

AO: What's been your favorite part of college so far?

PC: I'd have to say I have more free time than I had at Breck—and with that, I can nap throughout the day! I've become a big napper. Also, having more time to hang out with people and make connections has been great.

AO: What’s on your playlist, pre-swim race or otherwise?

PC: It depends on my mood. I like aggressive, intense music to help me focus when I'm getting ready to race. Our team has been inspired by the Rio movie soundtrack—specifically, the song Hot Wings. It’s a fun, energetic music. After a race, I prefer something smooth and relaxing to wind down.

AO: You’ve had some big moments in swimming recently. Tell me about them.

PC: Yeah! One of the highlights was our 400 medley relay as a team. I also achieved a personal record in the 100 backstroke, which placed me second in my school's records.

For relays, I lock in. I’ve always been a team-motivated swimmer—I like to swim for other people. As the lead-off in the medley relay, I set the tone for my teammates. Before the race, we keep it fun and light by jumping around and singing.

For my individual 100 backstroke at our mid-season meet, I was so focused that I wasn't aware of where I was in the pool. I thought my competitors were much closer than they actually were. My mindset is always to leave everything in the pool so that when I touch the wall, I know I gave it my all.

AO: What advice would you give aspiring swimmers and young athletes?

PC: One thing that has always stuck with me is what my high school coach, Michelle Carlson, said: "Give 100% of what you have to give every day." If you’re feeling sick or tired, give 100% of whatever you have that day. Pushing beyond that can lead to burnout. Swimming is a grueling sport, and if you don’t love what you’re doing, it won’t last. So, my advice is to do your best, have fun, and enjoy the process.

AO: What has been your favorite class in college so far?

PC: Being in DC, there are so many opportunities in the city. My favorite class was Introduction to Systems of Justice last semester. It was a block class, so we had time for field trips and guest speakers. We visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the DEA Museum and even sat in on a court hearing. The hands-on experience helped me see the justice system in action, and I love that many classes here offer real-world learning opportunities.

AO: Have you had the chance to explore any great restaurants or concerts in DC?

PC: I haven’t been to any concerts yet, but I’m going to one with my brother in April, which I’m excited about. As for restaurants, when we have recruits visiting, we always take them to Georgetown and True Burger—it’s a chain, but always a highlight. Otherwise, I’ve mostly stuck to fast food spots around campus due to my busy schedule.

AO: Looking ahead, what’s next for you in swimming?

PC: We have our last dual meet tomorrow against Old Dominion. Then we have an invitational at Bucknell next week. Our big conference meet, the Patriot League Championship, is also at Bucknell in mid-to-late February. The conference meet is our last major team event, and after that, NCAA qualification is based on individual times.

AO: Thank you so much for your time and insights, Piper!