Swimming and Diving Spotlight with Madison Cummings

NEW ORLEANS - Tulane University freshman Madison Cummings took some time away from her busy schedule this week to chat with TulaneGreenWave.com about life as a student-athlete and how her transition to college has been in this week's Swimming and Diving spotlight.

How would you describe your first year at Tulane and the transition into college?
"It's a lot different than high school. You have to learn time management a lot more, and it's a lot more on your own. We have staff here to push you and keep an eye on you, but at the same time you have to push yourself more than back home when you had your parents to be there with you every step of the way, and teachers that were easier on you. You have to be more out there and become more outspoken. I'm very shy so I don't really like to talk to professors, but here I've learned to be more out there. Practices are a lot harder; you have to push yourself mentally and physically a lot more than in high school. It's been a hard transition, but after the first two or three weeks I was good."

How you got started swimming, and what was the love that drew you to it?
"Well my mom had a disability, she got into an accident, so to make it easier on her, she put me in swimming. I failed my first swim lessons, and I wanted to quit, but my mom would not let me quit, so I kept doing it. Swimming made me feel free and when I was really stressed out at home, it just got my mind out of everything. Naturally, it just felt like it was the right sport for me. I tried other sports beforehand and none of them worked out. I just kept doing it and it comes naturally. I love it, it's my life."

What have you enjoyed most about collegiate swimming?
"I think it's more team oriented than back in high school, and it gives me confidence when I go and race to know that I have support behind me. The environment of everyone cheering for everyone in every single race and every single lap is just a lot more fun. It takes the seriousness out of the sport, which is good at times. I love how everything is for the team and not just about focusing on yourself. You become less selfish and it's a lot better for you personally."

If you weren't swimming, what sport would you do?
"I would be playing soccer. Swimming is the only sport that I've tried that I'm really passionate about and I've stuck with it for eight years."

What made you decide to come to Tulane?
"I came here on my recruiting trip late, so I was basing it off the coaches mainly and a few swimmers. I saw how well they were together, and I love the balance between our coaches. I also love how we practice and train together."

How would you best describe living in New Orleans?
"I explain that the environment here is very much like "you can be whoever you want". I feel like it's very judge-free. In New Orleans, everyone just accepts you the way you are."

What's the best thing about Tulane?
"Overall, it's just the people. Everyone makes you feel really comfortable. You feel at home even if you're away from home.

What are you doing outside of swimming and school?
"I usually like to listen to music a lot and I like to watch Tik-Toks. Usually just hang out with friends go out to eat, go to movies and go bowling. I'm just kind of a chill person. I went to the French Quarter one time and it was nice to see the area around it. It was nice to go around this area and discover what there is around New Orleans."

What are you studying in school?
"I'm majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. I want to become a criminal profiler for the FBI or CIA. I've wanted to do that for a long time."

What made you get into wanting to be a criminal profiler?
"I watch Criminal Minds, NCIS, and CSI. I'm just intrigued by the mind part of the criminal and I love the psychology behind it. I've wanted to be that for five years."

Swimming and Diving Spotlight with Madison Cummings

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Madison Cummings

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