AMES, Iowa – Haley Ruegemer isn't your normal college swimmer. Sure, she's one of the Iowa State swimming and diving team's top-five performers in five different events so far this season, but that isn't the only thing that sets her apart.
Ruegemer has a background in synchronized swimming and is therefore relatively new to the racing side of the sport. Though her experience wasn't as extensive as some other high schoolers, assistant coach and lead recruiter Kelly Nordell said Ruegemer's prospects as a collegiate athlete were apparent immediately.
“When Haley sent us a video we just saw a world of potential in her,” Nordell said. “She comes from that synchro background so she's not your typical swimmer, although she's been swimming for several years now and was on a state championship teams in Minnesota.”
The Plymouth, Minnesota, native was introduced to the Iowa State program by junior Brooke Evensen, who swam on the same club team as Ruegemer in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Evensen spoke highly of Ruegemer's character, which only worked to compliment what the coaching staff had already seen on tape.
Once Ruegemer and Nordell got in touch, they began developing a connection that put Ruegemer at ease during the otherwise difficult transition to collegiate athletics.
“She [Nordell] was really nice in the conversations we had over the phone and really helpful not just about Iowa State, but telling me about the whole recruiting process,” Ruegemer said. “She kind of felt like a second mother to me.”
When Ruegemer got to campus on her official visit, she noticed that the somewhat familial bond she already began to feel with Nordell was present throughout the program. Where she had seen divides while visiting other programs, she saw a sense of togetherness in the Cyclones.
“When I came on a recruiting trip here I really loved the team and the atmosphere that everyone played a part in and made click,” Ruegemer said. “I went to other schools and they were completely separate like over there are the divers, but the swimmers stay over here. I really like how we're all part of one team and we should be together as one.”
Though Ruegemer seems to always exude positivity, she knows getting used to the year-round routine of being an NCAA student-athlete will take time. Practice time has increased greatly and classwork consumes even more of the day than it used to, but Ruegemer sees how it all contributes to the ultimate goal.
“I think the biggest challenge is when you're tired, you just keep pushing through it,” Ruegemer said. “I'm looking forward to seeing how much all of the extra training will pay off and seeing how much the team can accomplish. I think's it's going to be a fun year.”
That optimistic attitude, coupled with a wealth of still-flourishing talent, is precisely why Nordell wanted her to be a Cyclone, as well as why Ruegemer's commitment is already paying off in the pool.
“She's very bright and bubbly, so we're really excited to have her,” Nordell said. “We think she's got a lot of great things ahead of her.”
