EVERYDAY CHAMPION -- KERI HOLMSTROM
February 01, 2011 | Women's Swimming
Feb. 1, 2011
Senior swimmer Keri Holmstrom was just six years old when she started swimming competitively but she never imagined that she would eventually swim at Oregon State University. Holmstrom hails from a family of swimmers yet was not convinced it was the sport for her until a coach her senior year at Southridge HS helped her understand her potential.
Swimming has given Holmstrom something more than she ever could have imagined - the chance to continue competing at the collegiate level and the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. It was while teaching swim lessons that Holmstrom realized she wanted to make a career out of working with kids.
A double-major in education and HDFS, Holmstrom has excelled in the classroom and in the water. She was named Pac-10 All-Academic Honorable Mention as a junior and set a career best (23.85) in the 50-yard freestyle at the Pac-10 Championships. The senior has her sights set on a school record as she finishes out her Oregon State career.
To learn more about Holmstrom and her experience at Oregon State University please read the following everyday champion Q&A:
How did you end up choosing Oregon State University? "Once I had decided that I really wanted to swim in college, I narrowed it down to Wyoming and Oregon State. My trip to Wyoming did not go very well but I felt right at home at OSU. At the time I was thinking about majoring in business and Oregon State seemed like a good fit for that."
What made you get into swimming when you were younger? "My mom swam at Southern Oregon and her whole side of the family swims. I started swimming competitively at the age of six. I almost switched to basketball entering high school but my mom convinced me that swimming was my sport and I'm glad she did."
Was there anyone who helped you succeed in swimming during high school? "My head coach Rod Harman really helped me. I told him that my goal was to make state and he made sure that I got there. I had to take five seconds off of my 100 backstroke time in just three months but he helped me do it."
What are you goals in swimming this year? "After dealing with mono last season, I decided that this year I really just needed to go for it. My goal is to swim a 22.5 in the 50 freestyle. That time would be a personal best and break the school record."
Do you have a favorite memorable moment at Oregon State University? "I just really remember my recruiting visit here. All the girls jumped out of the pool to meet me and shake my hand. It just seemed like such a friendly place."
What are your personal goals after graduating? "I want to be a teacher with the younger age group - kindergarten, first or second grade. I have taught swim lessons in the past and through that I learned that I really enjoy working with kids. After graduation I will either go to grad school right away or start teaching. I would like to stay in Oregon, if possible."
Have you any interesting experiences working with kids so far? "I helped in a classroom last spring. At first you just really want all the kids to like you but at the same time you realize that you have to be an authority figure in their lives. You learn that they will respect you and like you even when you aren't always easy on them."
Is there someone on campus who serves as a mentor for you? "Gene Newburgh is someone that I can always to go to talk about my future. We talk about teaching and my life after college."
Players Mentioned
