???Sophomore Jessica Koltz may not possess the most experience on the women's swimming and diving team, but with just one year of collegiate experience under her belt, Koltz has proven herself to be one of the more impressive swimmers at Buffalo.
???She currently holds the top times in both the 50-and 100-meter freestyles for Buffalo this year, with times of 23.91 and 52.32 seconds, respectively.
???A multi-sport athlete at Chenango Valley High School, Koltz took part in the swimming and softball teams.
???She started her swimming career in the third grade. Koltz says it took years of hard work and dedication to get her to the level that she is now at.
???"You start off pretty bad," Koltz said.
???The hard work in both sports proved beneficial for Koltz. She was no slouch in either sport, being named second team All-American in softball and an All-American in the 50-meter freestyle and butterfly for swimming.
???Despite the accolades she gained in high school, Koltz maintains a rivalry with her younger sister, Danielle. The competition brings the best out of both Koltzes.
???"When my little sister does something well, it only makes me want to work even harder," she said.
???Koltz ended up choosing swimming after graduating from high school, a sport that didn't possess many recognizable stars. The lack of swimming idols left her with no one to look up to while she was growing up.
???Nonetheless, lacking a swimming hero didn't prevent her from working hard. Unlike other athletes who aim to be like their favorite athlete, she worked hard for the rewards that come from all that hard work.
???The perseverance and dedication resulted in an athletic scholarship at the University at Buffalo. While at Buffalo, Koltz has been a part of many exciting moments. Her first Mid-American Conference championship stuck out in her mind.
???Koltz swam in the two hundred meter relay and was very nervous during the event. Her teammates provided the young swimmer with a calming influence. The relay was a great event to be put in pressure situations because it is one of the only team-like events in swimming.
???Despite the subsidence of pressure in relay events, the 50-meter freestyle remains Koltz's favorite event. Koltz thrives as one of the best swimmers in the event, but also believes she has yet to reach her ceiling.
???"I'm always trying to get better," Koltz said. "Always."
???Swimming is not the only passion Koltz possesses. As a psychology major, Koltz enjoys helping kids. Back home, she teaches swimming lessons to children at her local YMCA. Her goal is to help children in any way she can.
???As a swimmer at Buffalo, Koltz finds herself consistently traveling. The constant moving that is required for any collegiate sport doesn't thrill the swimmer. For Koltz, it would be one thing to travel for vacation, but she looks at the constant traveling as more required training and more work.
???The frequent moving has Koltz looking towards the future. After everything is said and done, Koltz would like to end up in New England, where she can enjoy their mountains and clam chowder.
???"I'd rather live in the mountains than on the beach," she said. "None of that Manhattan nonsense."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
