Elizabeth Althauser

Senior
Des Moines, Wash.
Mount Rainier HS

Liz is a three-year letter winner at PLU. A distance freestyler in the early years, Liz now swims shorter freestyle events because of injury issues.  Majoring in psychology, Liz intends on pursuing a career as a child life specialist.

Describe your family and how they have influenced your athletic career.
My family has always supported me throughout my swimming career, encouraging me to stay committed even through the toughest of times.  They always encourage me to follow my dreams and have supported me through every injury and every up and down.  My sister is on the team with me now and she pushes me to do better.  There's no better support than that of your family.

Who has been your favorite professor at PLU?
Dr. Anderson was one of the toughest and most supportive professors I have had at PLU. He inspired me to become a psychology major.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?
A bird. I've always been attracted to the idea of flying.

Who is the greatest athlete of all time?
Ryan Lochte. He is an amazing swimmer. (Michael) Phelps has done a lot for the sport of swimming and that is respectable, but Lochte is a fighter. I am Team Lochte for the next Olympics!

What TV show are you addicted to?
I am addicted to Big Bang Theory and Friends.

What is your greatest athletic moment?
Any time I drop time it feels like the greatest moment, but the most memorable was last year at conference when my relay teammates carried me to the podium with them. Many people think that swimming is an individual sport but it is times like that that remind me why I love swimming, because my team celebrates my successes with me and picks me up and supports me when I need it most.

Favorite pair of sneakers ever? Why?
I am a swimmer. I don't believe in sneakers.

Favorite movie quote ever, and why?
Anything from "Remember the Titans." That is my favorite inspirational movie even though I don't understand football very well.

If you could eat a meal with three people (alive or dead) who would it be with?  Why?
If I could eat a meal with any three people I would probably choose to have it with Sigmund Freud, Barack Obama and Dave Niehaus.