General 2/17/2011 10:03:37 AM

Straight From the Lions' Mouth with Amanda Waldner

Junior Amanda Waldner

Amanda Waldner (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) is a junior on the women's swim team. She is a criminal justice major and hopes to obtain a position in the criminology field after graduation next year. Waldner will compete in sprint freestyle events this weekend at the Metropolitan Conference Championships (METs).

Question: You transferred from a Division 1 swimming school in Connecticut to TCNJ almost two years ago. What do you think is the biggest difference between Division 1 swimming programs and Division 3 swimming programs? What do you like better about Division 3 programs?

AW: I would say the biggest difference I notice between a Division 1 school and Division 3 school is that academics come before athletics. TCNJ prepares you for the "real world" a lot better than a D1 school. I've faced the fact that I'm past the average age to become a professional swimmer and within the next year I have to find a job. I like the atmosphere of a D3 school a lot better than a D1 school. Everyone just seems to like each other more and the team seems to get along better.

Q: The women's swim team has been very successful this season so far. What do you think is the leading factor behind this success? What do you hope to accomplish at the end of this season?

AW: I think that the leading factor behind the success of the team this year would have to be how our team has come together in time of need. My hope for the end of this season would be ending with a Metropolitan Conference Championship win. Winning METS would be the icing on the cake to our undefeated season!!

Q: If you could choose your dream job (money was no object) to have after graduation, what would it be and why?

AW: My dream job would be to work as a princess at Disney World. I am 21 now and have been to Disney World eight times and it might be the family vacation again this summer. I would probably be the best princess that Disney would ever see because I would go into the interview already knowing how to get around the park without out a map. The princess I would see myself being would obviously be Ariel; not only is she the coolest but she also swam fast enough to get away from a shark.

Q: If you could do any sport besides swimming, what would it be and why?

AW: The other sport I have come to like after the 2010 Winter Olympics would be curling. I could really see myself guiding the marble stone down the ice rink. Also, it looked like the US women's team needed a little help since their record was 2 and 7 finishing 10th.

Q: If you could be president of the United States, what is one thing that you would try and change about society today? Why?

AW: One thing I would try and change in society today would have to be the image that magazines and models portray about the female figure. Being an athlete, I know that I'm not going to be a stick walking down a runway, but other girls out there don't realize this. Everyday many girls and women struggle with eating disorders and it needs to be explained to them that what those girls are doing to be the size that they are is not healthy. A well balanced diet and exercise should be what the media promotes, not crash diets and weight loss pills.

Q: If you could choose any celebrity to go on a date with, who would you choose and why? What would be your dream date?

AW: Hmmm…my dream celebrity to go on a date with would definitely be Michael Buble because he's hot and sings!! The date would consist of a romantic candle lit dinner and finishing with a long walk on the beach while Michael serenades me.

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