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Photo by: Christopher Mitchell
Get to Know: Drew Kistler
1/25/2023 9:38:00 AM | 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, Drew Kistler, a freshman from Spokane, Wash., who attended Mt. Spokane High School. He swam at the club level for the Spokane Waves Aquatic Team beginning in 2011 and owned nine club records in short course yards and seven in long course meters upon joining the Gophers. Kistler competed at Summer Juniors and Winter Juniors and was twice named Swimmer of the Year at the team banquet.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming?
Drew Kistler: "I started through swim lessons at a college near my house and then joined the swim team that practices there."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
DK: "I took up swimming full-time in sixth grade, and after making my first futures cut
in eighth grade, I knew swimming at a high level was possible.
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
DK: "Recruiting was overwhelming at first because I was the first kid in my family to go through it, and it happened during COVID. Besides knowing I wanted to swim at the next level, I didn't know what I was looking for at the start."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
DK: "The awesome coaching staff and team, great facilities, and easy-to-navigate campus."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming?
DK: "Practices per week have nearly doubled and are way more stroke/distance specific, and the team is a lot closer than most."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
DK: "I think all upperclassmen on the men's team have done a great job helping the freshman transition into the college lifestyle. Team captains Max McHugh and Desmon Sachtjen have done a great job posing as role models and leaders this year."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
DK: "If one of my main events is coming up at a big meet, I always put the Speedo symbol on my cap in the front. Any other race it will go in the back."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
DK: "The 100 breaststroke because it's an all-out sprint."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
DK: "Having the ability to train with such a talented group every day. It's way easier to
get pushed in and out of the water."
Out of the Pool with Drew
Favorite spot on campus: Chick-Fil-A in the Graduate hotel
Favorite Food: Homemade calzone
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things
Hidden talent: The ability to solve any type of Rubik's cube
Sport you're best at other than swimming: Volleyball
Favorite moment of your swimming career: Hearing about younger teammates looking up to me in club swimming and staying to watch my races at meets
Up next, Drew Kistler, a freshman from Spokane, Wash., who attended Mt. Spokane High School. He swam at the club level for the Spokane Waves Aquatic Team beginning in 2011 and owned nine club records in short course yards and seven in long course meters upon joining the Gophers. Kistler competed at Summer Juniors and Winter Juniors and was twice named Swimmer of the Year at the team banquet.
GopherSports.com: How did you get into swimming?
Drew Kistler: "I started through swim lessons at a college near my house and then joined the swim team that practices there."
GS: When did you realize you might be able to compete in college?
DK: "I took up swimming full-time in sixth grade, and after making my first futures cut
in eighth grade, I knew swimming at a high level was possible.
GS: What was your recruiting process like?
DK: "Recruiting was overwhelming at first because I was the first kid in my family to go through it, and it happened during COVID. Besides knowing I wanted to swim at the next level, I didn't know what I was looking for at the start."
GS: What made you decide on Minnesota?
DK: "The awesome coaching staff and team, great facilities, and easy-to-navigate campus."
GS: What differences have you noticed between high school/club and college swimming?
DK: "Practices per week have nearly doubled and are way more stroke/distance specific, and the team is a lot closer than most."
GS: Are there any particular teammates who have taken you under their wing and helped in your transition to college?
DK: "I think all upperclassmen on the men's team have done a great job helping the freshman transition into the college lifestyle. Team captains Max McHugh and Desmon Sachtjen have done a great job posing as role models and leaders this year."
GS: Do you have any pre-meet or pre-race rituals?
DK: "If one of my main events is coming up at a big meet, I always put the Speedo symbol on my cap in the front. Any other race it will go in the back."
GS: What is your favorite event to compete in and why?
DK: "The 100 breaststroke because it's an all-out sprint."
GS: What is something you are looking forward to in your time as a Gopher?
DK: "Having the ability to train with such a talented group every day. It's way easier to
get pushed in and out of the water."
Out of the Pool with Drew
Favorite spot on campus: Chick-Fil-A in the Graduate hotel
Favorite Food: Homemade calzone
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things
Hidden talent: The ability to solve any type of Rubik's cube
Sport you're best at other than swimming: Volleyball
Favorite moment of your swimming career: Hearing about younger teammates looking up to me in club swimming and staying to watch my races at meets
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