By DANIELLE WRIGHT

After earning second place in the 200-yard butterfly at the Conference USA Championship last month, Marshall University swimmer Shir Wasserman said she feels as though she ended her freshman year on a high note.

Wasserman said she feels like the team had a great season, posting wins for the majority of its drill meets.

Wasserman said the future for the Herd appears bright as the team placed third at conference and has many of its players returning next season.

The team consisted of 25 members, the majority of which were underclassmen.

“Next year, I don’t think second place is even up for discussion,” Wasserman said. “We’re going for first place. We’re trying to win the conference championship.”

The 6-foot-1 freshman traveled from her hometown in Yehud, Israel to join Marshall’s swimming and diving program.

Wasserman said her enthusiasm helped with her transition to Marshall.

Wasserman said next year, she plans to develop her sprint performance as well as become more relaxed when swimming to perform better overall.

At the age of 5, Wasserman began learning how to swim as a safety precaution. A year later, coaches discovered her talent, and she has been competing ever since.

Wasserman said she is thankful for having a supporting team who motivates her and pushes her to excel.

“Before I came to college, music was a huge motivator for me,” Wasserman said. “It would calm me down. Now that I started my college career, it has definitely been my team.”

Wasserman said she enjoys knowing she has the team behind her to encourage her to succeed and helping her build her confidence going forward.

Danielle Wright can be contacted at [email protected].