University of Massachusets Athletics
Inside the Goggles with... Caroline Capece
November 13, 2014 | Women's Swimming & Diving
The fifth installment of a weekly series where UMass Athletics catches up with members of the Swimming and Diving teams for a Question and Answer session! Next on the blocks is Caroline Capece.
Caroline is a junior from Attleboro, Mass. She went to Bishop Feehan High School where she was a four year letter winner for coach Chris Payson.
How would you describe this team compared to other teams?
I think we’re all really close. We’re all really hard workers and we support each other through hard sets. Everyone will tell each other “good job” when everyone gets to the wall. We’re really positive.
How do you think you’ve grown in your time at UMass?
It’s definitely gotten easier because I’ve gotten used to things.
Did anyone take you under their wing when you were a freshman?
Definitely the upperclassmen when I was a freshman. It helped me out a lot. She is my "big sister," because we pair up. When I got here, I didn't live with any swimmers, so it was kind of hard for me. But the other swimmers definitely included me a lot.
How would you describe Bob as a coach?
He’s a hard coach definitely, but he always finds a way to make you work hard or motivate you to work harder. When things get tough, he motivates you.
What are your earliest memories of swimming?
I was 5 when I joined my first team. Both my sisters swam, so I was dying to get into the water.
Who is the best dancer on the team?
Jess Murphy. She just doesn’t care, she goes all out. She doesn’t care who is watching, she just goes.
Who is the most intense while competing?
I’d say Jocelyn. She gets in that zone, and she just goes.
What advice do you have for somebody joining a swimming team?
Time management is a big deal. Make sure you get enough sleep, too so everything doesn’t come crashing down. Be sure not to be afraid. Walking-on, I’m just so proud of myself for doing that because that was something I was so fearful of.
What made you choose UMass?
I decided in June that I was coming here, I’m from the Boston area. It was kind of a last minute decision, but then I got here and I was like “I want to swim”, so I contacted Bob. Tryouts were really scary, I was the only one actually trying out for the team. I really wanted to be part of a team because this school is so big, that being a part of a team gives you the niche.