What does a girl from Texas do at NSU? She swims, of course.
Madison Yelle, a junior marine biology major from Mansfield, Texas and a long distance freestyle swimmer for the women’s NSU swim team plans to make water her career.
Yelle swam during her time at Mansfield Legacy High School, and she was regional champion in the 100-free and 100-breaststroke, which helped her earn “Outstanding Swimmer” her senior year. She also swam for the Mansfield Aquatic Club team. She came to NSU in 2014 on a swimming scholarship, and in December 2016, she earned a spot with the NCAA with provisional qualifying time.
How did you get into swimming?
“Well, about ten years ago, a community swimming pool opened up in my hometown in Mansfield, Texas, and I decided to give swimming a try. And I fell in love with it from the beginning.”
Who is one of the most influential people in your swimming career ?
“The one person who has been most influential in my swimming career has to be Bob Button. He was my coach in Mansfield and brought me along to become a competitive swimmer. He was instrumental in starting my career, and he helped improve my style and times.”
Why did you choose NSU?
“The reason is simple. They recruited me, but before that, I had heard good things about the program, and when I got here, I really connected with the people on the team.”
What is the most difficult thing about swimming?
“The most difficult part of swimming is balancing my time. I have to find time to eat after workouts and then getting to class on time is also a challenge.”
What do you like to do when you’re not swimming?
“I love to bake, and I enjoy going to the beach with my friends.”
What is the biggest accomplishment you have had as a swimmer?
“My biggest accomplishment, and one of my proudest moments, had to be swimming a winning time of 16:57.64 at the Spartan Invitational this past December in the 1,650 freestyle. It was really exciting.”
What do you plan to do after your time at NSU?
“I plan to work in marine biology or oceanography. The fields are directly related to my major.”
It makes sense that Yelle would want to work in or around water. Once a swimmer, always a swimmer.
Photo Caption: Swimmer Madison Yelle won the 1,650 freestyle at the Spartan Invitational last year.
Credit: M. Shattuck
