Entering freshman year is a difficult transition for many students. Trying to balance swimming, freshman year, majoring in biology and pre-med while also trying to make time for loved ones is what Evan Strickland is aspiring to do at Cabrini.
Strickland is 19 years old and grew up in West Philadelphia. He commuted to Malvern and attended Malvern Prep for high school. He has always had a passion for swimming through out his life. Though his athletic ability has always been a major part of his life, so has his dream of being in the medical field. One of his family members passed away from cancer, which inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.
“With my major and everything, it’s hard to stay focused but I really enjoy swimming,” Strickland said.
He started his swimming career at the age of three. He is the only one out of his family that knows how to swim and he has his grandfather to thank for that.
“My grandfather went to the Y everyday and got me into a program there and got me on a swim team,” Strickland said. “He was the first person that got me in the water.”
He has been swimming for 16 years and has been doing it competitively for 14. His teammate Brandon Mazepa, sophomore history major, describes him best.
“Evan not only contributes his first places but also his interesting personality,” Mazepa said. “He is probably one of the most laid back and chill teammates. He doesn’t ever get mad about anything, which is always a good attribute to have especially since he’s a part of the relay.”
Swimming wasn’t his only athletic ability. He did water polo at Malvern Prep and also played football his junior year.
Whenever Strickland has downtime he enjoys hanging out with his friends, playing video games, watching movies and spending time with his girlfriend.
Strickland has determination to excel in all areas in his life and will not let any obstacles get in the way. He is very busy but can always find a way to work with what he has. His swim coach, Diana Green, knows how busy he is and is able to adjust to his hectic schedule.
Strickland swims butterfly stroke and his best record is 53:55. He has one of the top records as a freshman. He was also named the Cabrini Athletics Student-Athlete of the Week in November.
“My biggest accomplishment is just knowing that I broke a time as a freshman,” Strickland said.
“For anyone who doesn’t know Evan, he makes swimming look so easy,” Mazepa said. “I’m pretty positive he could break every record we currently have.”
