Mykel Del Angel/THE RIDER
Annaleagh Stahl, an electrical engineering sophomore from Stafford, Virginia, is a member of the UTRGV Women’s Swimming & Diving Team. Stahl scored 27 points for the Vaqueros in the meet against New Mexico State University Jan. 10 by winning the 100 and 200 yard backstroke events and the 200 yard individual medley.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: “I was a ballerina and I played handbells for about 14 years from the age of 5.”
Q: Who or what got you into swimming and diving?
A: “My family. 100%. My parents got advice from my aunt and uncle, and they put all my siblings and I into swimming.”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration/role model?
A: “Definitely my mom. My mom is my ground. She keeps me down to earth, and she’s someone I look up to daily.”
Q: Who is your favorite professional swimmer?
A: “Regan Smith. She swims very similar events to me. Caeleb Dressel and Michael Phelps are also great swimmers, and they talk a lot about mental health which I am a very big advocate for.”
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: “Recently I’ve been into dark pop, hip hop,and musicals. A lot of Russian pop lately. ”
Q: What shows/movies do you like to watch?
A: “I really love the ‘Vampire Diaries’ franchise. I’m also into anime. I like ‘Solo Leveling’ a lot and ‘Fruits Basket’. Those two are my favorite.”
Q: What do you like most about UTRGV?
A: “I love the culture and I love the food. It’s amazing down here. The weather is really nice too. It’s so different from Virginia, everyone down here is so friendly.”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “I do nail art. Other than that, I like playing tennis here and there and working out a lot.”
Q: How do you mentally prepare for meets?
A: “I just try to relax and stay hyped and happy and try not to psychoanalyze anything because I want to stay in the moment. If I think way too much before the meet I start overthinking it.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “Mainly to get my degree, it’s something I’ve always worked hard towards, and just trying to make sure I can provide for my mom in the future, and swimming goals in general trying to make NCAA and make the next big meet after conferences.”
—Compiled by Mykel Del Angel
