University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Profile: Incoming Freshman Annalise Colton
8/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
Periodically throughout the summer, gophersports.com will feature incoming freshmen as they are getting ready to join the University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team. This week's Gopher student-athlete is freestyle and butterflier Annalise Colton. A 2009 graduate of Edina High School in Edina, Minn. signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period. Listed below is her high school/club bio and a short question and answer session with the incoming freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2009 graduate of Edina High School • competed with Edina High School under head coach Jeff Mace and with the Edina Swim Club under Jeff Rodriguez • a 16-time club state champion • seven-time NISCA All-American • all-state and all-conference honoree four-straight years • 2008 and 2009 Minnesota High School Swimmer of the Year nominee • four-time Edina Swim Club’s most valuable swimmer • holds the Edina Swim Club’s record in the 100 and 200 fly • member of a five-time conference championship team and two-time state runner-up teams • helped the Hornets to a state championship in 2005 • Class AA state recordholder with the 200 medley relay • a six-time participant of the Speedo Champions Series • placed second in the 100 fly and third in the 200 fly at the 2008 Speedo series • a six-time participant of the Junior Nationals • placed 20th in the 200 fly at the 2008 Senior Nationals • enters her college career with top times of 55.45 in the 100 fly and 2:01.70 in the 200 fly • outstanding student • graduated with 4.0 grade point average and was top 10 percent in her class • enters the U of M with the honors program • earned the AP Scholar of Distinction • earned the 2008 Adam Smith Award in Economics from her high school and was a nominee of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council • competed at the Speedo Champion Series in July.
PERSONAL: Born November 26, 1990 • plans to major in biomedical engineering • daughter of Phil and Michelle Colton • high school teammate of current Gopher swimmers Andrea Hanson and Megan Braun • father, Pat, swam at St. Lawerence.
Gophersports.com: What impressed you the most about the University of Minnesota?
Annalise Colton: I was most impressed by the team and the atmosphere that is created by a team that truly supports one another. Minnesota was the only team that had a true team spirit and consisted of girls who all loved and supported one another. Also, this team is run by the most passionate coaches who put in all their effort to help each swimmer reach their goals and succeed on a high level.
GS: What was one of your favorite memories either at the high school or club level?
AC: Although winning high school state in 100 butterfly was a thrill and a great experience, I would have to say that my favorite memory would have to be winning back-to-back state titles in the 200 medley relay at High School State. To me, a state title as a relay is so much more meaningful than a state title as an individual because you have more people to share the happiness with and you know that every person contributed to help the team as a whole.
GS: Since you’ve committed to Minnesota, what have you been doing this summer?
AC: This summer I mostly have been swimming and running so I can hopefully have a smooth transition into the new swim program. I’ve also been shopping for all of the things I need for college in the fall. Lastly, I’ve been spending time with all of my friends before we all head off to different colleges.
GS: Do you have any individual or long-term goals at Minnesota?
AC: One goal I have is to make it to NCAAs while I’m at Minnesota. I know the coaches put in the time and the effort to make their team the best it can possibly be and I would love to be a part of the team that goes to NCAAs. It would be an honor to contribute to this amazing team on such a high level.
GS: What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t in the pool?
AC: Definitely my favorite things to do would be cooking (then eating what I cooked) and having TV marathons with my friends.
GS: What are you the most excited for after stepping foot on campus?
AC: Meeting new people! The number of students on campus provides for so many different people and personalities and I am so excited to get to know so many new people.
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