PV grad Laura Risell rising in the pool at Washington College

Laura Risell has had plenty of experience swimming under pressure. 

After her success at Perkiomen Valley High School, Risell moved on to Washington College and began swimming on the college level.

The adjustment to the college competition wasn’t an easy one, but Risell’s ability to rise to the occasion in several pressure-packed meets has made her one of Washington’s top swimmers.

As she prepares to embark on her junior season, Risell knows what to expect after going through a bit or a learning process early in her college career.

 “I think you go in knowing more of what to expect,” said Risell. “Going in as a freshman, I didn’t realize how different it is from high school. Each year, there is more pressure because you are more experienced.  It gets better as the years go on and you know what to expect, and you’re able to handle things differently.”

 In two years, Risell has gone from a freshman learning to adjust to the college competition to one of the team’s most experienced swimmers. She will be counted on for her leadership, as well as her swimming skills to lead the Shorewomen to a successful season.

 “I think it’s going to be a really exciting year,” Risell said. “We have a whole different group of swimmers this year. Our freshman class is amazing, and I think everyone has a different attitude coming in. It’s more positive and upbeat. I think we’re going to have a lot of success.”

The meets in the Centennial Conference are often highly competitive, and most of the teams in the conference have plenty of talented swimmers. It’s something Risell is used to after swimming at Perkiomen Valley.

“I’m swimming in a very competitive league now,” Risell said. “We go against teams like Franklin & Marshall and Gettysburg. I would say it’s pretty much on the same lines of competitiveness. We have a tough race in every meet you swim in.”

It seems Risell was destined for the pool ever since her childhood. Her mother was a swimmer, and her brother also swam. Risell began swimming when she was 6, and she hasn’t stopped since.

All student athletes face the task of balancing their athletics and academics.  Swimming often features one of the more demanding practice schedules amongst varsity sports in high school and college. Risell believes her time at Perkiomen Valley helped prepare her for her busy college schedule.

“Being able to balance swimming and school did prepare me for college,” Risell said.  “I was able to handle dual workloads.”

Washington College is located in Maryland on the scenic Chester River by the state’s eastern shore. There was plenty for Risell to like when she first came to the school.  However, it was more than just academics, location and swimming that made Washington College the right choice for Risell.

“I came here for a tour, and it turned out they set me up for an interview,” said Risell. “Everything was very relaxed. They asked me a lot about me as a person as opposed to just wanting to get another student. Everything felt just right.”

Risell is a psychology major who is already planning out her career path after college.  However, she is hoping to stay involved with the sport she loves even after her days at Washington have ended.

 “I definitely want to keep swimming involved in my life,” Risell said. “Whether it’s coaching with my summer team or with a club team, I want to stay involved with it as I go forward in my life.”