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121 A s we reach the halfway point of the collegiate swimming season, we also approach the end of an era. When University of Iowa senior Emma Sougstad swims in her final event for the Hawkeyes this spring, she will arguably go down as one of the most decorated swimmers in program history. An honorable-mention All-American last year, Sougstad has qualified for the NCAA Championships in back-to-back seasons and will likely make it three straight this season — she has already posted NCAA 'B' cut times in five events. Sougstad, a Collegeswimming. com Preseason All-American, owns five individual school records (500 free, 100 breast, 200 breast, 100 fly, and 200 IM) and is a member of four school-record relays (200 free, 400 free, 200 medley, and 400 medley). She swam program-bests earlier this season at the Ohio State Invitational from Nov. 18-20. If you were to ask a younger Sougstad if she expected to have this amount of success at the collegiate level, her answer may have surprised you. "When I walked on deck as a freshman, I never imagined I would be in the position I am now," said Sougstad. "I was mainly excited for the opportunity and I was willing to work hard and see where it took me — a philosophy that allowed me to try new things, like the breaststroke." Sougstad holds the school's fastest time in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, swimming times of 59.00 and 2:10.81. She is a two-time NCAA qualifier in both events. e Forest City, Iowa, native knows she is not solely responsible for her success and she gives credit where credit is due. "I have learned many life lessons from my teammates and coaches, which ultimately led to my success in the water," she said. "All the people who cheer me on in the pool and classroom deserve the credit. I could not push myself to my limits without the help of my teammates challenging me, my coaches setting up challenging practices, and my mom answering the phone calls aer a long day in the pool." UI head coach Marc Long has high praise for Sougstad and what she has accomplished. "Emma has made tremendous athletic and personal strides as a Hawkeye," said Long. "Her dedicated work ethic and strong beliefs and ideals have led to her successful development as a person and athlete. "Emma will leave our program with many high- level, All-America performances and school records. One of her greatest accomplishments will be leaving the team in a better place than when she arrived. I know that's important to her." Put the accolades aside. With time winding down on her senior season, Sougstad has taken time to reflect on her Hawkeye career. "I cannot believe my senior year is already halfway over," said Sougstad. "I have loved my time at Iowa and I am so thankful to be part of this program. It has been a roller-coaster ride and I can't wait to take the lessons I learned in the pool to the next steps of life." DECEMBER SCHEDULE Dec. 9 Iowa State (W) Dec. 15-21 at USA Diving Winter Nationals