Jose Rodriguez Annaleigh Stahl, an electrical engineering freshman from Stafford, Virginia, is a member of the UTRGV Women’s Swimming & Diving Team. Stahl has competed in 11 meets and won nine races.
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself?
A: “Oh my gosh, I have seven siblings. And then, I actually used to dance as a ballerina at some point. And then, that I’ve been swimming for so long. I’ve been doing it since I was 4 and, then, competing since I was 5, so about 15 to 16 years of swimming.”
Q: Who/what got you started in swimming?
A: “My family, like my older siblings. They all swam. My siblings swam collegiately, so that really was one thing that got me into collegiate swimming, but really just my family and my parents. They just didn’t want us to drown.”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
A: “My mom is my biggest inspiration. She’s like a superwoman. And she has a special place in my heart even though we’ve been through our ups and downs. But, she has gotten me to where I am today, and it’s all because of her.”
Q: Who is your favorite swimmer?
A: “Reagan Smith is, like, an amazing swimmer. She also swims in similar events to me. And then, the great Michael Phelps. His work ethic is something that I aspire to have.”
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: “Pretty much everything. Recently, I’ve been really into Spanish music since coming to the [Rio Grande] Valley, but I’m more into hip-hop, like Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber has my heart.”
Q: Which shows/movies do you watch?
A: “I recently just finished ‘[The] Vampire Diaries,’ and I actually went back to ‘The Originals,’ which is like the prequel. … And then, I’m also going to watch ‘[Legacies],’ which is the sequel. … So, that’s probably my favorite show.”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “I did this thing called hand bells back in high school. I would say that’s a hobby. I do my own nails … and acrylic, so other than that, pretty much it.”
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
A: “My family. And Betsy [Graham], Betsy has been my biggest motivation. Like, even if I am tired, she’s like, ‘Just try and put yourself out there.’ And like I said, my family, they’ve always rooted for me, no matter how bad or great I’ve done. And they’re like, ‘Just keep going, just keep going and you’ll have your hard times. But those good times will come.’ And it’s just like that family bond I have with them and my coach, Betsy.”
Q: What do you like most about UTRGV?
A: “I love it all. Honestly, I love it all. I love the area. It makes me feel kind of away from home but kind of have home back here and then, like, I love the swim team. They’re all amazing. And, it’s just like it made me feel … right at home when I, like, connected with the girls and was able to one house swimming here and just that’s, like, my way of getting away from life. … And I just love all my professors and every person I’ve met here; they’ve all been amazing.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “Definitely get my degree. That’s like one of the major goals that I have. And taking care of my mom is another goal of mine. She’s been taking care of me my whole life, so I want to get back to her. And then, just swimming goals in general, like, just to get faster. I want to make NCAA’s at some point, like Division I. That would be like an amazing goal to get. And I feel like I could get there if I just put a little bit more work in and just work a little bit harder and have that motivation with the team in and out of the pool.”
Ali Halloum 
Eduardo Escamilla 