Lindsay Calimer Continues to Lead By Example
Senior University of Tampa swimmer Lindsay Calimer has been a catalyst to the Spartans success in the pool this season. She has the top times of the season for the women in the 50 and 100 Fly, as well as the 100 IM.
Her success is no secret as she has been to nationals each year and looks to continue that trend as she is seeded third this season in the 100 Fly. Her most memorable moment came last season at nationals breaking her personal best 55.7 and finishing seventh overall.
Calimer is a team captain that leads the young Tampa squad both in and out of the water. She makes a splash every day, from her vocal leadership during pre-meet cheers to the impressive performance put on in the pool. The senior holds the University of Tampa records in the 100 and 200 Fly with times of 55.89 and 2:02.72 respectively.
Despite her individual success, Calimer prefers to swim relays because she enjoys their silly cheers and encouragement before races. The extra motivation must be paying off as she states "I feel like I swim faster in the relays with my teammates cheering me on." There must be some truth to that because she also holds the university records in the 200 and 400 Medley Relay.
The native of Severna Park, Md., grew up around a competitive swimming atmosphere. Calimer was given the unique opportunity of training with Olympic great Michael Phelps before he became a superstar. Both competed at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club and on one occasion raced in the same heat. A late scratch gave Calimer a once in a lifetime opportunity that very few female swimmers can say, she swam against Michael Phelps.
Calimer is a very gifted athlete that grew up playing soccer, basketball, running track, as well as dancing and gymnastics to complement her swimming. She suffered a broken toe while competing in gymnastics which in fact strengthened her swimming. "I continued swimming while recovering from the injury and it made my pull in the water stronger" said Calimer.
Her time management skills are excellent due to the time commitment that comes with being a student athlete. Calimer is able to balance her practice time with her school work as well as play a role in the local community. As a member of the Student-athlete Advisory Committee she volunteered to wrap Christmas presents for elementary school children and helped personally deliver them.
Upon graduation this spring, the marketing major and math minor intends to continue her education by attending graduate school for an MBA. She will consider coaching as a graduate assistant and continue to swim after college. For the last three years, Calimer has been the head coach for a community swim team that competes throughout the summer.
Calimer has experience from running ticket operations at the Naval Academy to interning with Caldwell banker. She would love to become a marketing director for a sports organization or real estate company someday. Her dream job, since touring the facility would be to work for Coca-Cola because she enjoys the atmosphere of Atlanta, Georgia.
The senior will look to carry momentum over from conference before making yet another appearance at nationals. Given the successful season and career she has had for the Spartans, it would be no surprise to see Lindsay Calimer on the podium March 14-17 at the NCAA Championships in Dallas, Texas.
Written by Brandon Stower