Statesboro, Ga. –  Elaina Lanson has been a staple in the pool for the Georgia Southern Swimming and Diving program.  The sprinter bookended her career at the RAC Aquatics Center with pool records in the 50 free.  This week, we sat down with Lanson and got to know her better.

1.    Who got you in to swimming competitively and when did you start?
I could swim before I could walk, and I started on a team when I was 5 years old.  My parents signed me up so I could be active and meet other kids. 

2.  If you weren't swimming, what others sports would you be competing in at the college level?
I was a gymnast for 9 years, so if I wasn't 5'11 I would love to still do that.

3.  As a senior on the team, What's your leadership style?
I am more of a lead by example rather than by voicing my leadership, so I show it in the pool.

4.  What is your perfect pre-game meal?
I always go to Olive Garden the night before a meet and always get the chicken alfredo!

5.  What do you enjoy doing on  your day off?
I like to sleep in and catch up on homework, if it's warm enough I'll go lay by the pool with friends!

6.  Who on the team are you closest with?
I'm closest with the other sprinters.  We have a really tight bond this year and are always cheering each 
other on hoping they get a personal best.  

7.  What are the first 3 songs on your pre-game playlist?
Slipknot – Before I forget
Right above it –Lil Wayne
All the above- Maino

8.  Before a game do you prefer to get hyped up with the team, or do you prefer to keep it calm and do your own thing?
I am defiantly a relay swimmer; there is no better feeling than walking up to the blocks with the three other girls and giving them the pre-race pep talk.  I think it really gets us fired up to swim for one another and for the rest of the team.

9.  What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
I'm a multimedia communications major and my favorite class is sports broadcasting 

10.  What makes Coach Kellogg the type of coach you love to swim for?
He always wants the best for his athletes on and off the pool deck.  I can talk to him about whatever and he gives the best advice. In a meet situation, he knows how to get the team going and to swim for each other.  He's famous for ending a pep talk with the three things we need to do: 1 win the pool deck 2. Have fun 3. swim for each other

11.  Who is the funniest person on the team and why?
My roommate Anna Battestello, she always keeps everyone laughing

12.  Name a teammate who has tons of potential and tell us why?
Freshman Kaylyn Thomas.  She's such a hard worker, always puts in the time and effort, and she is seriously talented!

13.  Once you're done at Georgia Southern, what do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as someone the team can always come to and talk with -  and someone who could pull through in a tough race situation.

14.  What is plan once you graduate?
I will do a broadcasting internship this spring and take it from there!  I can't wait to get started with my career.

15.  What's your favorite event and why?
The fifty freestyle hands down.  I love to get up and race all out, and that is the event to do just that!

16.  If you and "Gus" were going to be in a movie, what type of movie would it be and what characters 
would each of you play?
An inspirational comedy would be fun. And we would play ourselves!

17.  What do you want to say to the fans who have watched you play during your time at Georgia Southern?
Never give up and always keep trying.  If you miss it once keep going.  Everything else will figure itself out.

Lanson and her teammates will return to the pool Wednesday Feb. 18 in Athens, Georgia for the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Conference Championships.

Catch Up On Previous Senior Spotlights
Men's Basketball Senior Jelani Hewitt

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