Jan. 16, 2007

Freshman Cindy Gangloff came to Maryland this season from Akron, Ohio. In high school, she was a four-time state qualifier and recipient of the Most Dedicated and Most Valuable Swimmer awards. This season, Gangloff has seen action in the breaststroke events. Gangloff talks about her goals for the rest of the season, her time at Maryland so far and her personal interests.

Q: What is the biggest difference between Maryland and your hometown?

Gangloff: The city where I am from in Ohio is more rural. I miss being able to take a drive down back roads and going to the park down the road. There is so much city and craziness here.

Q: Who is your greatest role model?

Gangloff: My brother is my greatest swimming role model. I have always looked up to him throughout my swimming career.

Q: What is something you do before every meet?

Gangloff: I always like to talk to my parents or my siblings, they give me confidence that I will do well and it relieves a lot of stress when I get to talk to them.

Q: Have you ever played any other sports?

Gangloff: No, they threw me in the pool when I was five and that's where I've been ever since.

Q: What is your favorite movie, TV show and band?

Gangloff: My favorite movie at the moment is Cars. My favorite TV show is Desperate Housewives and my favorite band is AC/DC.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

Gangloff: I like to do crafts in my free time.

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Gangloff: I would like to see the team do well at ACCs and I would like to do my part to help them achieve their goals.

Q: If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?

Gangloff: I do not want to meet anyone new, I would just like more time with my family and friends.

Q: What is the best thing about being a student athlete in college?

Gangloff: Knowing that I am part of a team and I am contributing to the reputation of the University of Maryland.

Q: What has been your greatest athletic thrill?

Gangloff: I have encountered so many athletic highs that I think my whole swimming career has been a thrill.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Maryland?

Gangloff: Being so close to my sister. She moved out here a few years ago and we have never been very close but that has all changed now.

Q: What made you decide to come to Maryland?

Gangloff: There were many things that drew me to Maryland: my sister, the engineering school, the team and the coaching staff.

Q: How have you grown as a swimmer since you have been at Maryland?

Gangloff: I have learned so much about swimming and my strokes.