Nov. 17, 2009

TarHeelBlue.com will start featuring Q&A sessions with members of the UNC swimming and diving team from here through the end of the season in March. Our first Q&A was conducted by UNC Athletic Communications office student assistant Sarah Stankavage, a senior from Durham, N.C. This week Stankavage conducted the Q&A with Tar Heel sophomore breaststroker Katie Keel, a native of Knoxville, Tenn.

We will be back with several more Q&As in the coming weeks.

Stankavage: How do you like living next door to head Tennessee women's basketball Coach Pat Summitt?

Keel: I love living by Pat Summitt! She is the most down-to-earth person and an incredible cook! She has always been a close family friend and is always there for us whenever we need her. In addition, her son Tyler and I have grown up together, so it's pretty awesome.

Stankavage: In high school, you played basketball, soccer, softball and dove along with swimming...How did you balance all that out? Which sport is your favorite after swimming?

Keel: Ohhh, that's a tough question. I am a very athletic person and I just love competing! After swimming, I would have to say soccer is probably my favorite. Diving was cool to learn the impressive dives and flips, but I am afraid of heights, so throwing myself off a high platform multiple times a day was not really my idea of the best time.

Stankavage: So you like dancing, what is your favorite kind of music to dance to? What is your favorite song?

Keel: I'll dance to pretty much anything. I can't guarantee I'll be good, but I will get into it if I'm feeling it. As far as a favorite song, currently I don't have one but "whatcha say" has been stuck in my head for a solid week!

Stankavage: What is your favorite part about Chapel Hill?

Keel: For starters, Chapel Hill is gorgeous. I love the campus and the atmosphere this school has! In addition, the team is amazing, obviously, and I wouldn't know what to do without them.

Stankavage: Tell me your favorite memory from last year's season.

Keel: My favorite memory from last year was the weekend we spent at the ACC Championships. The energy and excitement that our team and parents had was contagious, and it was hard to be anything but excited! Although we weren't actually winning, it was the best feeling to rally around the team and know everyone is supporting you.