The ISU swimming team returned from winter break well before the rest of the student body, as the team left Ames for Phoenix, Ariz. on Jan. 1 for winter training and returned Jan. 6.

“Our first three practices were a little more aerobic oriented,” said coach Duane Sorenson. “By the end of the week we were doing a lot more quality.”

The goal of this training trip is to continue to prepare the women for the Big 12 Championships where they will have to swim and peak for three days in a row. 

Meredith Doran was just one of many swimmers Sorenson said had an impressive training session in Phoenix.

Doran had a few things in mind of what she wanted to work on going into winter training.

“Improving my stroke, becoming better aerobically and speed-wise,” Doran said.

Freshman Alex Gustafson was also pointed out by Sorenson.

“I was working to improve my race mentally,” Gustafson said. “Pushing through the pain and hoping that will carry over in the race.”

The Cyclones trained at a top facility down in warm and sunny Phoenix. The facility contained five times more water than Iowa State’s pool in Beyer Hall.

“The pool was big and the water was clear,” Gustafson said. “I thought it was very nice.”

The team did have some time off in Phoenix as well. 

“We went shopping and laid out by the pool,” Doran said. “We slept a lot and ate a lot, too.”

The team would also come up with creative ways to have fun together.

“We gave the team reality show topics and they had to come up with a five-to-seven minute skit,” Sorenson said. “We had a good time and a good laugh; it was a lot of fun.”

Skits like “18 and a freshman” and “The Housewives of Scottsdale, Ariz.” were good ways to shake things up during the quiet winter break.

“It was just a great time for bonding and getting to know each other,” Gustafson said.