University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Backstroke/Butterfly
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Freestyle
/ Women's Swimming & Diving
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Get to Know: Faith Johnson
12/12/2022 11:36:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
There are 18 newcomers to the Minnesota Swimming and Diving programs for the 2022-23 season. In order to get to know them better, GopherSports.com is doing Q&As with each. Up first, Faith Johnson, a freshman from Menomonee Falls, Wis. She attended Sussex Hamilton High School where she was a five-time state champion. Johnson swam at the club level for Rocket Aquatics and was a 2021 Olympic Trials Wave I Qualifier.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming?
Faith Johnson: "My mom was actually a collegiate swimmer as well, but she and my dad just wanted my sister and me to learn how to swim. We started by doing lessons at the YMCA, and it just kind of took off from there."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
FJ: "I began thinking about it a little bit starting in seventh grade, which is about the same time I quit my other sport to solely focus on swimming."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
FJ: "My recruiting experience was unusual because it was all virtual since it happened entirely during 2020. I committed to Minnesota without ever stepping foot on campus, which was a little nerve-wracking at first, but it all worked out perfectly in the end."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
FJ: "All of the coaches made me feel so comfortable every time I spoke with them, and they really made me feel valued as a person and not just as an athlete. I also got to have a zoom meeting with some of the team which was so much fun and really sealed the deal."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming?
FJ: "The team camaraderie and spirit is above and beyond in college, which I love."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
FJ: "The entire team has been extremely welcoming, but my "big sister" on the team, Kate Sullivan, has really gone out of her way to make me feel at home. Also, all the upperclassmen in my women's sprint group have made practices so much fun."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
FJ: "I have a specific stretching routine that I go through before every race to get me in the zone. I also eat the same snacks during meets."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
FJ: "This changes pretty much daily, but if I have to pick one it'd be 100 back because it's my best event and has opened a lot of doors for me to compete at big meets."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
FJ: "I am so excited to watch the men's NCAA Championships this year since we are hosting them. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to compete on such a big stage and learn as much as I can from such high-level coaches and athletes. Also, training trips!"
Out of the Pool with Faith
Favorite spot on campus: Anywhere with a view of the river
Favorite Food: Mac N Cheese
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Twitter, Instagram or TikTok: Insta @_faithnicolej_
Hidden talent: I'm really good at quickly memorizing song lyrics
Sport you're best at other than swimming: Gymnastics
Favorite moment of your swimming career: Qualifying for and competing at Olympic Trials in 100m back
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming?
Faith Johnson: "My mom was actually a collegiate swimmer as well, but she and my dad just wanted my sister and me to learn how to swim. We started by doing lessons at the YMCA, and it just kind of took off from there."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
FJ: "I began thinking about it a little bit starting in seventh grade, which is about the same time I quit my other sport to solely focus on swimming."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
FJ: "My recruiting experience was unusual because it was all virtual since it happened entirely during 2020. I committed to Minnesota without ever stepping foot on campus, which was a little nerve-wracking at first, but it all worked out perfectly in the end."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
FJ: "All of the coaches made me feel so comfortable every time I spoke with them, and they really made me feel valued as a person and not just as an athlete. I also got to have a zoom meeting with some of the team which was so much fun and really sealed the deal."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming?
FJ: "The team camaraderie and spirit is above and beyond in college, which I love."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
FJ: "The entire team has been extremely welcoming, but my "big sister" on the team, Kate Sullivan, has really gone out of her way to make me feel at home. Also, all the upperclassmen in my women's sprint group have made practices so much fun."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
FJ: "I have a specific stretching routine that I go through before every race to get me in the zone. I also eat the same snacks during meets."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
FJ: "This changes pretty much daily, but if I have to pick one it'd be 100 back because it's my best event and has opened a lot of doors for me to compete at big meets."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
FJ: "I am so excited to watch the men's NCAA Championships this year since we are hosting them. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to compete on such a big stage and learn as much as I can from such high-level coaches and athletes. Also, training trips!"
Out of the Pool with Faith
Favorite spot on campus: Anywhere with a view of the river
Favorite Food: Mac N Cheese
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Twitter, Instagram or TikTok: Insta @_faithnicolej_
Hidden talent: I'm really good at quickly memorizing song lyrics
Sport you're best at other than swimming: Gymnastics
Favorite moment of your swimming career: Qualifying for and competing at Olympic Trials in 100m back
Elna Widerstrom: NCAA Bronze Medalist
Thursday, March 26
Elna Widerstrom Wins B1G 1M Title
Thursday, February 26
Vivi Del Angel Wins B1G Platform Title
Thursday, February 26
Vivi Del Angel BTN Interview
Thursday, February 26