Junior to compete in World University Games

Junior Susan Woessner, who will compete in the World University Games, said she still can't believe where swimming has taken her.\n"I'm not sure it's really hit me yet," Woessner said about the Games, to take place in Beijing. \nThe Dayton, Ohio, native began swimming competitively late in her high school career. Woessner said she considered herself lucky to have a spot on IU's team and chose the school because of its athletic and academic reputation. As a freshman, she couldn't swim the 100-yard backstroke in less than a minute. \nNow she holds the school record in that event in 54.11 seconds -- one of six in her name. \nAt the U.S. Swimming Nationals in Austin, Texas, March 27 through April 2, she proved she was an asset to the team, finishing seventh in the 100-meter backstroke. The top two college-enrolled swimmers advanced to the World University Games, where Woessner will be swimming the 100-meter backstroke. \nWoessner will attend camp in Colorado Springs with about 40 other swimmers from the United States. This orientation camp will introduce Woessner to her new coaches and teammates. She said she plans to train all summer for the event and will travel to China on Aug. 18.\n"I want to hold Susan back a bit since the games are so late in the summer," coach Dorsey Tierney said. "Some of her training this summer will be low intensity. We don't want to work her too hard this summer and have her worn out for China. She needs to be ready both physically and mentally."\nAt the NCAAs, Woessner was named an All-American, taking seventh in the 100-yard backstroke and honorable mention in the 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay. She was also unanimously chosen as next season's team captain.\n"Susan is so supportive of her teammates, which in return, earns support for her. Her perception of her teammates and insight on people around her is mature for her age," Tierney said. "This has helped her gain respect from the rest of the girls."\nWoessner's teammates complimented her success and interaction with the team.\n"It's incredible how far she has come so quickly," senior Jenn Cristy said. "Susan is one of the hardest workers on the team and she deserves everything she has accomplished. It's amazing what she\'s done, and Susan isn't even at the peak of what she has the potential to do. I'm very excited for her and this opportunity she has."\nTierney said that when Woessner swims, she swims to win, and no expectations or limits are put on her abilities for the World University Games. \n"I think it will be a lot of fun and a great opportunity, no matter how well I do while I'm there," Woessner said.\nTierney said Woessner might have started swimming later than most, but she is still a good athlete who is physically strong and an intelligent swimmer.\n"Susan is also a very well-balanced swimmer," Tierney said, "When she comes to practice, she leaves everything else outside the door, and when she leaves the pool, practices are left as well. She is a very gifted athlete both physically and mentally."\nWoessner said she didn't have to think twice about to whom she contributed most of her success.\n"No question, I contribute my success to Coach Tierney and the team. Everything the team accomplished this year was a team effort. We were really united as a team, and everyone has been very supportive and excited for me, for my trip to the World University Games"