University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Student-Athlete Spotlight: Alejandra Sanchez Garcia
01.24.2015 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Not many athletes get the unique opportunity to compete in their countries' national competitions. However, that is exactly what freshman swimmer Alejandra Sanchez Garcia had the opportunity to do in December in her native Mexico.
Alejandra, who hails from Mexico City, has qualified to compete at the Mexican Nationals each year since she was 12 years old. This year was a different experience for Alejandra as she had not yet medaled in her previous opportunities at the event. Prior to this year, her top finish was last year when she was fourth in the 200-yard backstroke. This year, Alejandra “really wanted a medal,” and she did just that, finishing second in the same event.
The freshman was quick to give credit for her performance at the Mexican Nationals to her choice of UNC Asheville. “It was mostly because of all the work that I have been doing here and how much Coach (Elizabeth) Lykins has been helping me.” She noted the discipline that her high school coach instilled and his passion for the sport, and Sanchez got the same feeling from Lykins during her recruitment. “When I talked to coach Lykins I saw that and I liked it.” Alejandra's choice of Asheville and coach Lykins has paid off, as “she is making me better! I don't know what she is doing, but I trust her because it is working.”
Despite growing up in the soccer-centric country of Mexico, swimming has always been the sport for Alejandra, who has been competing since she was eight years old. However, soccer is still her second favorite sport. "It is kind of a Mexican thing,” she said. Alejandra's mom is the reason she got into swimming, and it wasn't because she was a natural. It was simply that “I had too much free time and my mom did not like that.”
Mom's decision to introduce Alejandra to swimming has paid off and helped her become a collegiate athlete in the United States. The decision was partially reached because “[in Mexico] you have to decide between school and doing a sport; here you can do both.” Off the pool deck, Sanchez wants to obtain a degree in International Studies with a minor in economics. She would like to eventually work in an international embassy and travel the world.
As the swimming season draws toward its conclusion and Asheville prepares for the CCSA championships in February, Alejandra feels that the Bulldogs could have their best ever showing at the conference meet. “I feel the team is getting better every day and the team is going to do better this year than last year. I think a lot of us have good chances at making finals and also at medaling.” Sanchez's experience is one thing that should help her show well at conference.
MEXICAN NATIONAL NOTES:
FULL RESULTS
Alejandra finished sixth in the overall 200-yard backstroke (#19 Mujer Abierta 200 Dorso) final with time of 2:18.98. Her time placed her second overall in her age group, thus giving her a second place, medal finish, in the 17-18 age group.
Additionally, Alejandra finished second in the 4 X 100 Medley relay and third in the 4 X 100 Freestyle.
Players Mentioned
Distance/Back
/ Women's Swimming & DivingMonday, January 29
Monday, December 18
Monday, October 30