Fast start for NYU freshman swimmer

The NYU swimming team's recruiting efforts paid off last spring with the addition of freshman Savanna Keator this fall.

A native of Norwich, N.Y., located between Binghamton and Syracuse, Keator has been a swimmer since she was 8 years old.

"When I was younger, my parents did the whole 'Let's try all these different sports and see what you're good at' thing," Keator said. "And that stopped once I settled into my little niche in swimming."

Coming into NYU, Keator said she had second thoughts about swimming.

"I wasn't sure if I wanted to swim here at NYU, but meeting with [head coach] Lauren Beam helped me decide that I wanted to do this," she said. "She's just an inspiration to everyone, and she's honestly one of the best coaches I've had."

Keator, an applied psychology major in Steinhardt, said her life revolves around eating, sleeping, doing homework, going to class and, of course, swimming.

"I'm missing out on the social aspect [of NYU], but you just bond with the team so much," Keator said. "This sounds so jock-ish, but your social life is just the team."

Swimming for a college team is a one-of-a-kind thing. Keator said she really enjoys hearing everyone's swimming experiences — such as how they trained before NYU.

So far — in just three meets this season — Keator racked up nine first-place finishes. She has established herself on the NYU swimming team as a formidable force. Her teammates say they love her presence.

"Savanna is one of the happiest people at practice and has the best personality and attitude when it comes to swimming," freshman swimmer Noel Elgamal said. "Before her races she is usually laughing and having a good time with the team, but when it's time to race she is always focused and ready to swim fast."

Keator said she's confident she's ready to dominate in her first season as a Violet.

"I'm probably in the best shape of my life right now," she said. "Overall as a team, we are so strong. We are looking very good."

Cole Riley is a staff writer.