Oct. 13, 2009
Junior swimmer Amywren Miller has made major contributions to the Irish squad since her arrival on campus two years ago. The 2009-10 swimming and diving season is just getting underway with Miller competing in the first two events. Miller was a part of the first-place 200 Medley Relay team at the Dennis Stark Relays, and finished second with the 200 Free, 400 Butterfly and 400 Free relay teams. Against Michigan, the Grosse Pointe, Mich., native won the 50 Free and finished second in the 100 Free. Miller also took first with the Irish 200 Free relay squad and second in the 200 Medley relay. Miller sat down with UND.com to tell us a little more about herself.
What is your major and how did you decide on it?
I am majoring in marketing, and last spring I declared graphic design. I went into business because my dad is a businessman, so I grew up around it. I also did not like finance or accounting. Marketing made more sense to me; it is easier and comes naturally. In graphic design, I like the “idea” part of marketing more than the “economic” part of marketing, so I figured if I had both degrees it would point me in that direction.
What made you choose to come to Notre Dame?
Campus is three and a half hours from home and it is the perfect combination of athletics, tradition, and education. It was important to me to have a school where I could leave with connections and a great degree.
How would your teammates describe you?
They would probably say I am bold. I don’t tell lies; I just tell it how it is.
What would you like to do after you graduate next year?
Hopefully I will get a job in sports marketing, maybe working for a team at home, like the (NHL’s Detroit) Red Wings.
If you could change anything about Notre Dame, what would it be?
I would change the rules. All of them.
What is your dream job?
Housewife.
If you weren’t swimming what other sport would you be playing?
I would play hockey, because I can’t run, but I can skate.
Who is the toughest athlete you have come up against in your swimming career?
It was definitely my older sister, Kammy Miller. Growing up, we both swam, and she ended up swimming for USC.
What do you find to be the hardest thing about being a student-athlete?
Being a student.
Is there anything you do before you dive into the pool to compete?
Nothing too intense. I don’t like to be dry when I dive in because it gets really cold when you dive in.
Is there anyone you have never met and would love to have the chance to talk with them?
I would have loved to meet my grandpa, who died when I was two. I have the same initials as he did – AWM.
What is your earliest swimming memory?
I remember joining the no breath club on my summer club team when I was little.
What is the most important thing you have learned while swimming here?
Just to be confident. If no one can break your confidence, no one can beat you.
What would you like to happen before you leave?
I would love to see a couple more banners. I hope we keep winning BIG EAST titles, and maybe we can all re-write the record book this year, like we did last year.
What do your fellow students always want to know?
A lot of people ask us when our season starts, because we don’t have a poster for our team.
What do you miss about home?
I miss my parents, John and Karen, my older sisters and the dogs, Mopey, Levi and Geo.
What family traditions do you miss the most being at Notre Dame?
I miss how my mom cooked real food when all of us lived at home–the kitchen was always open growing up.
What study habits allow you to excel at swimming and still balance your workload?
I don’t let myself go to bed before all of my work is finished.
Do you follow any teams from home (in Grosse Pointe, Mich.)?
I follow the Red Wings, Pistons in the playoffs and the Notre Dame football team.
Are you enjoying any classes in particular this semester?
2DFfoundations. It is my first art class.
Who do you look up to?
My mom is wonder woman and my dad would do anything for any of his kids.
— ND —