University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Freshman: Kaia Grobe
5/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
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The University of Minnesota would like to welcome incoming freshman Kaia Grobe from Victoria, Minnesota. Kaia, a freestyle swimmer, will be joining her sister Bridgette Grobe, who just finished her rookie season for the Gophers. Her previous teams include Chanhassen High School and Aquajets Swim Club.
Gopher Sports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Kaia Grobe: I love Minneapolis; it is such a beautiful city! I grew up going down to the U for swim meets, but I really only saw the aquatic facility. Once I saw the rest of the campus, I was pleasantly surprised! I have a weird thing for grass so when I saw the Mall, I couldn't help but fall in love!
I also love the team and the coaching staff. Everybody was so welcoming and a lot of fun; I immediately felt as though I belonged there and would fit right in. I am excited to meet the rest of the Minnesota commits because they seem like just my kind of people!
Additionally, Minnesota is a great school and offered just what I needed academically as well as athletically. I believe that college is a huge learning experience and I know I will benefit from all of the challenges college will face me with.
GS: What are you looking forward to the most with starting your collegiate career as a Golden Gopher?
BG: I am excited to be a part of a team that is going to make me a better swimmer, as well as a better person. I am honored to be called a Golden Gopher and will represent maroon and gold with so much pride!!
GS: Thus far, what has been your best or most proud swimming memory?
BG: My most proud swimming memory occurred at the Minnesota High School State Meet my senior year. It was the 400 freestyle relay and we were seated second by a few seconds (as we had been the entire season). We knew we had to push it in order to take the title. We all gave our hearts into that race and it was very close. It was the last race I would ever swim representing my high school. Pressure? For sure. I was the anchor and we had the lead the entire race, I just had to finish it. Once I touched the wall to stop the clock, all I could hear was screams of disbelief. Not only had we just won the 400 freestyle relay, we had broken the state record by three seconds. Lots of tears and hugging followed. I am very proud of what my team accomplished that night.
GS: What do you like to do for fun outside of the pool?
KG: Outside the pool, I love spending time with my goofy friends and checking things off our bucket list, whether it be seeing movie at midnight or star-gazing on the rooftops.
GS: How do you think you will contribute to the Gopher swimming and diving program?Â
KG: I think I will bring a lot of energy the pool deck and hopefully keep everybody smiling and laughing. The most important thing about competing in a tough sport like swimming is to make sure you're enjoying it! If you're not having fun and loving it, what's the point?
GS: What else do you want to share with the Gopher Family?
KG: GO GOPHERS!! ☺
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