Frostburg State University senior Elizabeth Jarrell exemplifies the multi-sport talents of NCAA Division III student-athletes.  Jarrell played soccer, almost exclusively, from pre-school age until high school until dipping her toes in the swimming pool.  She's worked hard during her career for the Bobcats, and achieved one of her goals during the 2014 CAC Championships.  Now, she's hoping for more – both in swimming and her future through her studies and practical experience in athletic training.  INTRODUCING … Elizabeth Jarrell.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I began swimming during my freshman year of high school after playing soccer since I was four years old.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am an Athletic Training major. I've learned the importance of educating athletes and keeping them healthy so they can perform at their best. When you're injured, you can't do what you love and that takes a toll on you mentally.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I enjoy being anywhere in the gym, really. I spend most of my days in the gym from sun-up to sun-down. It's where I swim, lift, go to class, work, and spend time with people. The gym has been an integral part of my college experience.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   My favorite all-time place is Bar Harbor, Maine. It's absolutely gorgeous there, I hope to live there some day. I went there on a family camping trip a few years ago and I've been dreaming about it ever since.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   Other than my team, I spend a lot of time working with the Athletic Training program. We are assigned sports teams every semester and I really enjoy collecting my clinic hours. I also work for Activities for Life as a swim instructor. Swimming is my favorite thing to do, and teaching kids to swim or better yet to love swimming makes me really happy.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   To date, my most memorable experience was breaking a minute for the first time at CAC Championships last season. It's always been a goal of mine, one I didn't expect myself to accomplish last year. I was dealing with a shoulder injury and I felt a lot of pressure. I remember finishing and looking up at the score board. Seeing a 59 next to my name was incredible, I was so excited. Now I'm even more excited to break that!

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   The most influential person in my life would have to be my boyfriend, Nick.  He's really supportive of my swimming schedule and knows how much it means to me.  He loves seeing me compete, I'm pretty sure he gets just as excited as I do when I do well.  On those occasion bad days, he likes to remind why I do it and that it's more than worth it.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I definitely think the pressure to fit in is still a big problem. College is a new and scary place and most of the time you don't really know anyone. You just want to make friends. Some people will do things that make them uncomfortable just for a group to belong to. I'm appreciative that in joining the swim team, I found a place full of people who love me and accept me.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   If I could change any one issue in the world it would be body image stigma amongst young women, particularly in athletics. Everyone is always struggling to be "pretty" or "skinny." Why not strive to be "healthy?" I understand everyone has a different definition of those things, and it would be impossible to think that there could ever be an accepted norm. But, I still think presenting young women with straight facts about healthy eating and body composition would be a good idea. I would use my knowledge about health and nutrition and personal experience to educate people. I would also encourage others to stop shaming people for being either too big or too little, because both are extremely mentally damaging. Our generation need to be the one to start the process.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   I'm a huge fan of Netflix. There is nothing more relaxing at the end of the day than turning on your favorite TV show or finding a movie to watch and being able to forget about everything that happened during the day. I get sucked in to new TV series all the time. Dexter, Grey's Anatomy and House of Cards are some of my favorites.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Don't play just one sport. I grew up just playing soccer. I was good at it so I didn't want to try anything else. I started swimming late because as a kid, I was scared I wouldn't be good and the other kids would make fun of me.  But I started swimming and I love it. So try different sports, even if you're really good at one. Sometimes it's more important to do what you love instead of what you're really good at it. Eventually, that thing you love can also be what you're good at.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   I love baseball, always have. I grew up in Maryland but I'm a die-hard Yankees fan, and especially Derek Jeter. I have so much respect for him. He's the definition of finding what you love and making a living out of it. My favorite memories as a kid are going to baseball games at Camden Yards with my family to see the Yankees play, and win of course. Still haven't been to Yankee Stadium yet, but it's on the to-do-list.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   

Well obviously, Derek Jeter would be one. I'd love to get to talk baseball with him. He seems like a really laid-back guy, and I'd like to know his plans for post-baseball life.

Second would have to be Audrey Hepburn. I love classic movies and her style is amazing. Maybe she could give me some style tips so I stop wearing leggings and t-shirts every day.

And finally, I think it'd be really cool to have dinner with my Great Grandma one more time. She inspires me so much, I even have a tattoo dedicated to her, and as a reminder to me.