Feb. 5, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - As part of the week leading up to Senior Day on Friday, Feb. 5, Umterps.com will highlight one of Maryland's five women's swimming and diving seniors each day. Today's senior is Jen Vogel.

Vogel had a breakout season last year after earning All-American status with a 14th-place finish in the 200 fly (1:56.62) at the 2009 NCAA Championships and also finishing 30th in the 100 fly (53.01) and 40th in the 200 IM (1:59.74) in prelim swims. The Hingham, Mass., native captured three new individual school records in the 100 fly (52.95), 200 fly (1:55.81) and 200 IM (1:59.65) and also helped rack up school records in the 200 medley relay (1:39.76) and 400 medley relay (3:39.60). Vogel was ACC Champion in the 200 fly (1:55.81) and also landed on the podium with a second-place finish in the 100 fly (52.95). This season, Vogel has been remained poised under adversity and the two-time captain has the top times for the Terps in the 100 and 200 fly as well as the 200 IM.

Umterps.com: What has been the one highlight that sticks out in your mind from your time at Maryland?
JV: Being able to win an event at ACC's at Maryland.

Umterps.com: Think back four (or five) years. How have you changed as an athlete? As a person?
JV: I have matured quite a bit as an athlete. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about what I need to do to better myself. As a person I have become much more outgoing and learned a lot about leadership and being part of a team.

Umterps.com: How has Maryland swimming and diving changed since your arrival as a freshman?
JV: There have been many coaching changes since I became a part of this team. I think that the attitude of the team has changed for the better over the years.

Umterps.com: Give three reasons why a recruit would want to become a member of Maryland's swimming and diving team.
JV: We have one of the best facilities in the country and the athletes are treated very well here. The University of Maryland is in a great location near Baltimore, DC and Annapolis. The campus is beautiful.

Umterps.com: What do you plan to do after graduation?
JV: I hope to find an engineering job in the Boston area after I graduate.

Umterps.com: Any departing advice?
JV: Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can and don't hold anything back.