Q&A With Swim Commit Eva Cotreau

Eva+Starred+at+Barnstable

Photo by (Courtesy of) Eva Cotreau

Eva Starred at Barnstable

Abby Olsen, Staff Writer
May 13, 2021

There are multiple BHS seniors who have committed to play a sport at the collegiate level in the following year. Insight is seizing the opportunity to interview these athletes throughout the spring as they prepare for the next phase in their athletic careers.

 

  •  Where are you committed?

 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

 

  1.  What event do you swim?

 

100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke.

 

  •  When did you start swimming?

 

I started swimming in eighth grade for the high school team. 

 

  •  Did you always have a passion for swimming?

 

Yes! I have taken swimming lessons since I was two before joining a team. 

 

  • Was there a moment or time when you realized that swimming was something that you wanted to pursue collegiately?

 

Ever since I started swimming I was hoping to swim for a college team, but starting in my junior year I knew that I definitely wanted to pursue a college team. My junior season of high school swimming was super successful and that’s when I started to seriously think about swimming in college.

 

  • What is your favorite thing about the sport?

 

My favorite thing about the sport is that even though the majority of races are individually swum, the team is always so close knit and supportive. You never feel like you’re going into a race without your whole team behind you. 

 

  • What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from swimming?

 

“

The greatest lesson I’ve learned from swimming is to not get discouraged when you don’t see progress.

— Eva Cotreau

You can be working really hard at something and not think that you’re getting any better or seeing the results you want, but if you keep trying your best then it’s going to pay off eventually. 

 

  • What are some goals that you have for college swimming?

 

I hope to eventually make it on the conference team roster and get to compete in conference meets. I want to drop time in my events. For my freshman season I’m just looking forward to meeting the team and competing in college meets for the first time. 

 

  • Is there someone or something that has inspired you in your sports career?

 

My teammates and coaches have always been my biggest inspiration for swimming. 

 

  • What has been your biggest achievement in swimming?

 

My biggest achievement in swimming was either qualifying for an individual event at MIAA state championships or being able to swim for WPI. 

 

  • What are challenges that you have faced or obstacles you’ve overcome in getting where you are today?

 

I had some medical setbacks this summer which was probably the greatest challenge I’ve faced in the sport. I broke both of my elbows which took me out of the pool for a while. Obviously also having to take a break for COVID-19 was a really big challenge but everyone was in that together. 

 

  • What about your sport motivates you the most?

 

The feeling that you get when you finish a race and see that you dropped time motivates me the most. It’s the best feeling in the sport. 

 

  • Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

 

I eat pasta the night before a meet. One of my teammates taught us a backstage tradition she learned from dance moms, and our relay did it before every race. I wear two swim caps before big races. One of my teammates, Cat Goodearl, used to five star my back before my 100 breaststroke at every championship meet. 

 

  • What are other interests or hobbies that you have?

 

I also like to hike, paint, read, hang out with friends and go to the beach. 

 

  • Do you have a piece of advice for aspiring young athletes?

           

 My advice for aspiring young athletes is to not underestimate yourself. It can be disappointing when you first start but everyone has to start somewhere. Just put in the time and effort, and most importantly make sure you’re enjoying yourself. Sports teams are a great place to meet amazing people that can become your closest friends.