1. UC San Diego Standout Swimmer Alex Henley Balances School, Swimming and
Olympic Aspirations
By Jacqueline Edelman
It’s 5:15 a.m. and Alexandra Henley, Alex for short, is waking up to her alarm clock and
leaving her warm bed in order to dive into a cold pool.
While her classmates struggle to maintain school work and a social life, Henley’s
juggling a difficult major (Physiology and Neuroscience) and a grueling practice
schedule. And while the average student dreams of graduation, Henley’s dreams are a bit
bigger – Olympic even.
The Triton junior who was voted female “Swimmer of the Year” last season following a
stellar performance at the NCAA Division II National Championships where she took
first in the 400 IM and 200 butterfly in school record times of 4:18:71 and 2:00:30, is
more at home in the pool than anywhere else – and for good reason.
Swimming since the age of seven, what started as an excuse to hang out with her friends
all summer long has evolved into a true love for the sport. Still, the now 20-year-old, who
despite her numerous accomplishments, didn’t realize her full potential until she spent a
year swimming under the guidance of UCSD’s Head Swim Coach, Scott McGihon.
“Alex is an amazing swimmer who can literally go any distance and swim any stroke at
an elite level,” said McGihon. “She refuses to be beat by anyone, even the clock.”
Already the owner of six individual school records, McGihon believes she could have
more but, “she just never get’s the opportunity to swim them [other events].”
Over the past two years Henley has shown her versatility as a swimmer. And while she
excels in the 400 individual medley (IM) and the 200 backstroke, they’re not her
favorites. But as the quintessential team player, she swims what’s necessary.
“I’m passionate about this sport,” says Henley, “as well as my team and all my
teammates success.”
In fact, the highlight of Henley’s illustrious swimming career is not what one might
expect from someone who has achieved as much individual recognition as she has.
“Winning conference last year by six points against our rival LMU (Loyola Marymount
University),” is what stands out in her mind.
As for her own success, Henley’s list of achievements speak loud and clear although
she’s not one to boast. She was the Marmonte League Champion and school record-
holder in multiple events while swimming at Thousand Oaks High School in California
where she grew up. And as UCSD’s top female recruit in 2008, she not only placed in the
top six for every individual event she swam at Nationals, but received All-Conference

2. and All-American accolades as well, earning her the title of UCSD’s “Newcomer of the
Year.”
In part, McGihon attributes her freshman performance to much of Alex’s growth. “I think
that was definitely an eye-opening experience,” he said. “More than anything, it helped
her to mature and gain great confidence and belief in herself.”
Henley agrees, “It was then that I realized I was capable of a lot more than I had ever
thought.”
Perhaps even capable of making it to Olympic Trials.
Henley’s sheer talent has already taken her to the top, but an unwavering work ethic helps
too. She puts in 19 hours a week with her team practicing twice a day most days, and an
additional six hours voluntarily on her own.
“She’s a living example of results through training and sacrifice,” said McGihon
And yet her tenacity in the pool is only matched by her academic endeavors. Although
Henley is more reserved on dry land, her ambition and methodical nature are apparent in
her chosen course of study – Physiology and Neuroscience.
“I think the human body is a very interesting subject,” explained Henley, who would like
to one day combine her love of athletics with her proclivity for science.
Having chosen UCSD for both its athletic reputation and its top-ranked biological science
department, Henley is currently taking a heavy course load that often puts her on campus
from 5:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“There is a lot of preparation that goes on when I leave my apartment in the morning – I
have to pack a lot of food,” she joked. “And I take a nap every chance I get.”
Balancing school, practice and meets, Henley manages to do so as effortlessly as she
swims. But even the best have their moments.
“I try to take things one at a time and sometimes I just need to get through the day before
I can worry about anything in the near of far future,” she said. “I still get stressed
sometimes. That’s when it becomes important to just take a deep breath and prioritize.”
However, as for the Olympics though, she shouldn’t worry too much. McGihon predicts,
“Alex will definitely compete at the 2012 US Olympic Team Trials.”