In an individual sport such as swimming, it is sometimes difficult to find a team player. But senior tri-captain Kristin Horton, Tufts' top swimmer in the breaststroke and a member of the swimming and diving team, offers the University much more than her individual achievements. In fact, she might be a perfect example of a team player.
Horton began swimming when she was four, following in the footsteps of her older brother and sister. Her parents signed her up for swimming lessons because she would jump into the water after her siblings without knowing how to swim. She swam on mini-leagues during the summer, but it wasn't until high school that she got her first taste of what it meant to be a member of a team.
"It was the first time I was on a real girls team," Horton said. "It was the first time I really experienced team spirit."
Horton knew she wanted to continue swimming in college for a Div. III school, and kept that in mind as she evaluated potential college choices. She began her freshman year of swimming at Tufts with a bang, breaking three school records in the 50, 100, and 200-yard breaststroke. She also qualified and competed in Nationals as a freshman.
"I had no idea I would do so well freshman year," Horton said. "I was pleasantly surprised."
After an explosive beginning, Horton came back ready to go as a sophomore. She broke her own records in the 100 and 200 breaststroke. She qualified and competed in Nationals again and placed 17th, one place out of All-American status.
"I don't think Kristin knew what to expect freshman year," coach Nancy Bigelow said. "She came back sophomore year hungry, and she had a fabulous year."
Junior year, Horton passed the first qualifying time to be considered for Nationals, but just missed being above the line for the number that was selected. This year, as a senior, she has one more shot at qualifying.
"Kristin came back with a positive attitude," Bigelow said. "She also has put more focus on the team which has helped her individually. Over the four years she has learned how to balance helping herself and the team."
Horton agrees: "This year especially I've learned how to concentrate on how others are doing and that has been much better for myself. You can't focus only on your races."
So far this season, as throughout her four years here, Horton has been Tufts' dominant swimmer in the breaststroke. Currently, she holds the fourth fastest time in the NESCAC current standings for the 50 breaststroke (0:33.22). She also holds the sixth fastest time in both the 100 and 200 hundred breaststroke, 1:10.90 and 2:32.50 respectively.
This weekend, Horton and her teammates will compete in the NESCAC championships. Team members have shaved and tapered for this event - and made all other preparations to optimize their performance.
In true team-oriented fashion, Horton's primary goals for the big meet lie with the team.
"I want the team to do well," she said, "and not in how we place, but I want everyone to leave happy with their times."
Not only has Tufts been able to count on Horton to score points in the breaststroke, the team has also relied on her for her leadership; this season, she took on the new role of captain. Horton, along with seniors Kira Kuhn and Nancy Leahy, was selected by her teammates to lead the team in practice and at meets.
"I have to be much more aware of what's going on," she said. "I have to encourage people when they're discouraged, but I think every senior takes on that role."
While it is easy for a competitor in an individual sport to forget her teammates, Horton knows that it has been her love of the team that has kept her going through four tough years of swimming. Having to balance practice five days a week along with the difficult curriculum and research involved in her biochemistry major is difficult, and it is easy for an athlete to become burned out.
But the cheers from fans keep Horton going, especially, the big cheer fans give the team at the beginning of each meet. It's an experience Horton describes as "the best feeling in the world."
Competing four years in a collegiate sport is no easy feat, and Horton acknowledges the people who helped her get through it.
"I want to thank all the seniors who have been with me," she said. "I don't think I could have gotten through it without them. I also want to thank my coach for her individual brand of support."
Horton hopes to continue swimming after college, but she does not know if it will be for a team. Whatever the future holds, she will be missed by her coach and teammates at Tufts.
"Kristin was a great example for the underclassmen," Bigelow said. "She put her heart and soul into every meet. She worked hard day in and day out. There will be a big void when she goes."
