MEET THE FRESHMEN: Reese Shirey
10/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 6, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Freshman swimmer Reese Shirey is no stranger to the University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide Swimming and Diving program. Both of his brothers attended the University and one of them, Austin, was a member of the swim team.
"My brother knew what it was like to be a student-athlete, so he gave me some advice before I started and that definitely helped adjustment easier," Shirey said.
His family ties, along with the closeness of his family in Muscle Shoals, made coming to Alabama an easy decision for Shirey.
"I went away to high school in Chattanooga, Tenn., so I wanted to be back in Alabama," Shirey said.
Shirey, a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, has adjusted well to college life.
"Going away to high school definitely prepared me for college," Shirey said. "I lived in a dorm so I was used to that. I also knew a lot of the other freshmen guys before I got here. Josh (Sosna) and I went to high school together and Jake (Reynolds) and Robert (Scrip) are both from Alabama. I've competed and raced against them before.
Shirey is the Baylor School record holder in the 100 backstroke, his favorite event, and the Independent School national record holder in the 100-meter short course backstroke. Coached by Dan Black, Shirey helped lead Baylor to the Independent Schools National Championship and Tennessee State Championship in 2008 and 2009.
Shirey's favorite part about college swimming is practice and the team atmosphere.
"There's a lot of stuff we do in practice here that I never did in high school," Shirey said. "I never lifted weights before so that and the other dry land exercises have been interesting. I also just enjoy being a member of the team. Everyone is really cool."
When he isn't swimming or in class, Shirey enjoys watching college football, basketball and Alabama Volleyball.
"I like going to Alabama football games and volleyball games - those are intense," Shirey said.
After school, Shirey, a pre-med major, would like to attend medical school and pursue his dream of becoming a cardiologist.
Players Mentioned
