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/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Freestyle
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Sprint Freestyle
/ Men's Swimming & Diving
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Get to Know: Connor Groya
12/19/2022 1:38:00 PM | Men'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 next, Connor Groya, a freshman from Elmhurst, Ill. He attended York High School where he set school records in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 100 breast, 200 free relay and 400 free relay. Groya swam at the club level for Hinsdale Swim Club since 2019 and competed at Winter Juniors, Summer Championships and NCSA's.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming/diving?
Connor Groya: "My mom swam in high school and also in college, so she signed my brother and I up for summer swimming when we were younger."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
CG: "After my sophomore year of high school I realized I had a legit opportunity to be able to compete somewhere at a college level."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
CG: "It was definitely not very normal due to the fact that I was being recruited during COVID-times, but it was filled with many phone calls with the coaches, as well as zoom calls. Luckily, I was able to go on an official visit and meet the people in my class after I had committed."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
CG: "I was really impressed with the coaching staff and facilities here at Minnesota. I loved the campus after seeing it, and I also loved the people on the team and the culture they had."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming/diving?
CG: "Swimming in college is much more of a team sport compared to what I experienced in high school and club."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
CG: "Both Shane Rozeboom and Lucas Farrar, two older sprinters in my training group, have helped me make the adjustment to college."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
CG: "I like to listen to music before my races to get myself hyped up. I also have a stretch routine behind the blocks to loosen up before a race."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
CG: "My favorite individual event is the 50 freestyle, but I love competing on relays."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
CG: "I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete for such a great team in big meets while racing against competition that is the best of the best."
Out of the Pool with Connor
Favorite spot on campus: The View from the Washington Ave bridge
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Hidden talent: Wake surfing
Sport you're best at other than swimming/diving: Water Polo
Favorite moment of your swimming/diving career: Winning two high school state championships
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming/diving?
Connor Groya: "My mom swam in high school and also in college, so she signed my brother and I up for summer swimming when we were younger."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
CG: "After my sophomore year of high school I realized I had a legit opportunity to be able to compete somewhere at a college level."
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
CG: "It was definitely not very normal due to the fact that I was being recruited during COVID-times, but it was filled with many phone calls with the coaches, as well as zoom calls. Luckily, I was able to go on an official visit and meet the people in my class after I had committed."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
CG: "I was really impressed with the coaching staff and facilities here at Minnesota. I loved the campus after seeing it, and I also loved the people on the team and the culture they had."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming/diving?
CG: "Swimming in college is much more of a team sport compared to what I experienced in high school and club."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
CG: "Both Shane Rozeboom and Lucas Farrar, two older sprinters in my training group, have helped me make the adjustment to college."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
CG: "I like to listen to music before my races to get myself hyped up. I also have a stretch routine behind the blocks to loosen up before a race."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
CG: "My favorite individual event is the 50 freestyle, but I love competing on relays."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
CG: "I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete for such a great team in big meets while racing against competition that is the best of the best."
Out of the Pool with Connor
Favorite spot on campus: The View from the Washington Ave bridge
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Hidden talent: Wake surfing
Sport you're best at other than swimming/diving: Water Polo
Favorite moment of your swimming/diving career: Winning two high school state championships
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