Senior Profile: Aleksandar Damjanic
2/1/2010 7:00:00 AM | Men's Swimming & Diving
Feb. 1, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - As part of the week leading up to Senior Day on Saturday, Feb. 6, Umterps.com will highlight one of Maryland's five men's swimming and diving seniors each day. Today's senior is Aleksandar Damjanic.
A native of Zagreb, Croatia, Aleksandar Damjanic was crowned the Croatian national champion in the 200 fly last summer. That performance merely capped what was a tremendous 2009 season where the Terrapin junior established new Maryland school records in the 100 fly (47.64) and 200 fly (1:45.88), and was part of three record-setting relay teams, including the 800 free (6:34.02), 200 medley (1:27.81), 400 medley (3:14.82). Damjanic thrives in and out of the pool as he garnered ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District selection in 2009. This season, he helped Maryland to a Terrapin Cup Invitational championship in November when he aided the 200 medley and 800 free relays to first-place finishes while individually winning the 100 fly and taking second in 200 fly and third in the 200 free.
DAMJANIC Q & A
Umterps.com : What has been the one highlight that sticks out in your mind from your time at Maryland?
AD: Maryland was the place I first saw when coming to the U.S. for college and everything about this place will be permanently inked in my memory. Campus life, athletics, academics and all the great friendships I have made here in the past four years are a part of an invaluable life experience and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience it and attend this University.
Umterps.com: Think back four (or five) years. How have you changed as an athlete? As a person?
AD: This is just my subjective view and I believe others will give a better answer. What I can say is I really changed a lot. I have developed as a person and I have learned to use many different skills that will have me later in life outside of the pool and the classroom such as networking skills. My athletic experience has witnessed many ups and downs but when I look at it overall, it made me a better athlete because I learned a lot along the way through the many opportunities that I would never be able to experience back home in Croatia.
Umterps.com: How has Maryland swimming and diving changed since your arrival as a freshman?
AD: The program has undergone some major changes. In my four years, I have had three different coaching staffs and that may not always be beneficial for a young athlete because of continuity issues. However, I believe I have started to realize my potential in the water my junior and senior years and that will definitely impact my performance after my college career.
Umterps.com: Give three reasons why a recruit would want to become a member of Maryland's swimming and diving team.
AD: Outstanding academic opportunities, great facilities and swimming program, and the best area in the country to live in.
Umterps.com: What do you plan to do after graduation?
AD: I plan to swim for two more years for my home country of Croatia. My goal is to go to the 2012 Olympic Games which will be the realization of all my athletic dreams. After that, I plan to continue with my education.
Umterps.com: Any departing advice?
AD: I would like to thank everyone at Maryland for providing me the opportunity to attend this great school. I want to thank my coaches and teammates for the great times spent together and for the permanent friendships that will never be broken. I want to say to all of my teammates to take swimming and school seriously from the first day they step foot onto this campus. There are many opportunities at Maryland that you should be eager to exploit because they will make you a better person for life. Do not wait for things to happen, take charge of your own life and make it happen. You are all adults now whether you like it or not and with adulthood comes responsibility and independence. Life will hit you from all sides, but REMEMBER NEVER GIVE UP. Take the good, learn from your mistakes and work hard to reach your goals!
