University of Richmond Athletics
2011-12 Swimming & Diving Roster
Alexi Kuska
- Class:
- Senior
- High School:
- Westfield Senior
- Hometown:
- Westfield, N.J.
University of Richmond Top Performances:
200 Free: 1:51.39 (2011)
500 Free: 4:52.51 (2011)
1650 Free: 16:53.91 (2011)
As a Senior (2011-2012): Earned points in all of her events at the A-10 Championship, including a 15th place finish in the 200 free (1:54.24), ninth in the 500 free (4:55.70) and fourth in the 1650 free (17:03.81) ... was part of the second place 800 free relay (7:24.25) ... served as one of the captains during her senior year.
As a Junior (2010-11): Collected a pair of medals at the A-10 Championships, including a gold as a member of the record-setting 800 free relay (7:19.65) and a bronze in the 500 free (4:52.51) ... finished fourth in the 200 free (1:51.39) and fifth in the 1650 free (16:53.91), both marking personal bests ... will serve as a team captain in 2011-12 ... enters the season ranked second all-time in Spider history in the 1000 free (10:03.91), third in the 500 free (4:52.51) and fifth in the 1650 free (16:52.91).
As a Sophomore (2009-10): Took home a pair of fifth-place finishes in both the 1,650 free (17:20.86) and the 500 free (5:01.96) at the A-10 Championship, along with a 15th-place in the 200 free (1:56.08) ... her 1,000 free time of 10:31.85 in the William & Mary dual meet was a season-best for the Spiders ... enters 2010-11 ranked No. 4 on Richmond's all-time list in the 500 free (4:56.12 - 2009), No. 3 in the 1,000 free (10:08.12 - 2009) and No. 4 in the 1,650 free (16:52.91 - 2009).
As a Freshman (2008-09): Made her first career A-10 medal a gold as the freshman captured the conference title in the 1,650 free with a time of 16:52.91 ... also swam the 500 free (4:57.45) and the 200 free (1:54.96) at the A-10 Championship, finishing fifth and 16th, respectively ... the distance specialist ranks third all-time at Richmond in the 1,000 free (10:08.12 set at the Maryland/Miami tri-meet), fourth in the 1,650 free (16:52.91) and fourth in the 500 free (4:56.12 - set at the Maryland/Miami tri-meet) ... all three times were the Spiders' fastest of the season.
Personal: Daughter of Lesley Kuska.
Getting to Know Lexi...
What is your fondest memory...
Competing as a Spider? Killing it on the winning 4x200 freestyle relay at the 2011
A-10
On the road? Singing along to Disney movies on the bus, singing and
dancing to music at A-10s with my SpiderSwim teammates and becoming Ke$ha on
training trip
During your time on campus? Sharing times like the senior toga party, proclamation night
or ring dance with my friends
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
Unlike most sports, swimming has the unique characteristics
of challenging you and allowing you to compete as both a team member and an
individual in a community that offers as much reward and opportunity for
success as it takes to get there.
Who has had the greatest impact on your
swimming career?
I have had the opportunity to work with remarkable
coaches throughout my career, including Matt Barany, Jerry Holtrey (LESD) and Jim
Steen (TPSC) to name a few. However, Jim Wood (BAC, President USA Swimming) has
by far had the most impact on my overall pre-collegiate swimming career by
supporting, counseling and training me through some of the greatest challenges of
my life. I am grateful to all but owe special debts of gratitude to Jim, who
helped me stay in the pool and believe I could be a champion despite all of the
life obstacles I had to overcome. I'm also deeply indebted to Matt for helping
me become one.
What is your major? Psychology
Favorite professor? Dr. Face, who taught my Child Psychology class
What is your dream job? Becoming an NCAA women's swimming & diving coach
If your teammates could describe you in three words they would be... hardworking, supportive and Ke$ha.
What is your favorite...
Movie: Miracle
TV show: I Love Lucy
Book: Harry Potter series
Food/Meal: sushi
What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear...
Matt:
SVEN
Erika: diving
Stenbsy: super cool
Campus: beautiful
Practice: heart rate
Superlative Time - Who on your team is the...
Most Inspiring: Lauren
Most Competitive: Charlotte
Most Spirited: Me
Most Studious: Michelle
Biggest Clown: Allison
Most Likely to Change the World: Mali
Most Likely to Brighten Your Day: Jessie
Most Likely to Be on Reality TV: Mary Anne
Most Likely to Be a Millionaire: Mina
Most Likely to Marry a Millionaire: Liz
