Your average swimmer may think an All-American finish to the 2004 season warrants a pat on the back and perhaps some resting on your laurels. Your average swimmer isn't necessarily wrong in thinking this. But this is why Virginia's junior Brielle White is not your average swimmer.
White, Virginia's record holder in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 54.01 seconds, finished fourth in last year's NCAA championships in the 100-meter backstroke, earning her first team All-American status. She also placed 10th in the 200-meter backstroke, giving her an All-American honorable mention. However, the accolades did not satisfy her.
"It's nice to have my name on the board," White said. "They are ACC records, U.Va. records, AFC records. But when I go to NCAAs, I still realize I have to do a lot better."
A laundry list of accomplishments can be created out of White's career so far, highlighted by big time performances in big time meets. White has won the 100-yard backstroke in the ACC championship the past two years. She also swims the backstroke leg of the ACC champion women's medley relay team. Additionally, she has set records at the ACC championships in the 200-yard and 100-yard backstroke.
White also swam in the Olympic trials for the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics. She has gained valuable experience from both meets and wants to translate that into motivation for this season.
The 2004 Olympic trials "was a different experience than when I went in 2000 as a 17-year-old," White said. "I was much more confident going into trials [this time] because I knew I had a chance. I just really had it in my head that I could make the Olympics. I guess you have to be positive if you really want to do it."
White's coach, Mark Bernardino, expects much out of his junior workhorse. Bernardino sees White's biggest contribution to the swimming squad as the confidence she instills in her teammates.
"I think she is a safety net for the team," Bernardino said. "When she steps on the blocks, I think the team knows they're going to win. When she is up there for the backstroke races, mentally they are notching a 'W' in the win column."
White has certainly backed that up this season. She has yet to lose a 100-yard backstroke event, most notably placing first in the Purdue Boilermaker Challenge Nov. 6 in Indiana, where eight top-25 ranked teams competed.
Bernardino also wants White to take on a more vocal leadership role for the team. He has changed the direction of the program a bit this year, opting for a weight-training workout program that intends to translate into increased water strength. He has his eye on White to set an example in the weight room and in the pool.
"Last year she took a giant step forward in her training abilities, her attitude and her willingness to do the things that it takes to be among the very best," Bernardino said. "I'd like to see Brielle become a stronger vocal leader and set a strong example with her work ethic and with her attitude."
For Virginia to repeat as ACC champions, White will certainly be needed to continue her success in the backstroke. On top of that, with another quality performance in the NCAA championships, you will never hear "average swimmer" and "Brielle White" in the same sentence again.
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