The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jeff Wick After refusing to swim when younger, freshman Jenni Dole is a top competitor on the OSU swim team. Dole competed in the 2008 United States Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. Dole's father is not only her top supporter, but possibly the reason she is a swimmer in the first place.

Some children inherit their parents' looks; others inherit their money or musical talent. For Jenni Dole, she inherited her father's love of swimming.

With a father who played water polo in college, the gift of swift swimming seems hereditary. But she wasn't always so eager to dive into the family tradition.

"I really didn't want to swim," Dole said. "One time we were coming home from grocery shopping and there was a sign saying that there were tryouts for swimming. And at the time I was like 'Mom, no!' I was standing there with my arms crossed the whole time, but she figured because my dad was a water polo player in college and he swam and lifeguarded … I would be a swimmer, so she signed me up. And I've loved it ever since."

Since coming to Oregon State, Dole has been using her genetic gift to break school and personal records left and right. But it's more than just her ability to win that got her recruited by head coach Larry Liebowitz.

As a member of the team, Dole contributes not just points but personality.

"She has some good times but she also has a great personality," Liebowitz said. "She's very excitable and I think that that really plays back into our team because she's always very excited and so demonstrative of this excitement. I really like working with her and coaching her."

The freshman from Spokane, Wash. has a friendly smile and lively spirit that radiates to the whole team.

"That excitement level that she brings … I think it just adds to the whole enjoyment of swimming with the team and for everyone involved," Liebowitz said. "I think she has the potential to be a great leader for our team. I'm hoping she will develop that as time goes along and bring that same enthusiasm to being a leader in swimming."

Continued...

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