5 Minutes with Emily Creran – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swim & Dive
Nov. 2, 2011
When head coach Bill Dorenkott arrived in Columbus in 2008, he envisioned an Ohio State women’s swimming program filled with high-character individuals consistently competing at the highest level in the Big Ten. Four seasons later, it is student-athletes like junior Emily Creran who confirm Coach Dorenkott’s plan is coming to fruition. A Big Ten Distinguished Scholar as well as a school record-holder in the 200 backstroke and 400 individual medley, Creran is the epitome of the term “student-athlete. “
What did it mean to be selected as a team captain as a sophomore?
It was an amazing honor because as a freshman, I really looked up to the team captains. To be selected as a captain after that was really an honor.
The team broke 24 of 36 school records in the past year; how does Ohio State’s program promote fast times?
Coach Dorenkott is amazing at getting girls faster once they get to college. With his program he really cares about the success of the team along with the individual. He wants his swimmers to reach their absolute potential once they’re part of our program.
How did it feel to compete at the NCAA championships last season?
Making NCAAs was the highlight of my personal swimming career. It was unbelievable because I made it at the last opportunity. Going to the meet and having the chance to compete against some of the fastest swimmers in the United States was an amazing experience.
How does Type I diabetes affect your life as a swimmer?
It’s definitely hard. Having Type I diabetes means I have to be extra cautious with everything I’m doing. I don’t want to miss a practice due to having low blood sugar, but at the same time if my blood sugar is too high, I’m not going to perform to my potential. It’s difficult to find the right balance. Every day is an experiment, because every day, my body is different.
Why did you choose to be a Buckeye?
I loved the coaches at Ohio State and the facility is amazing. Also, the team was really nice and friendly. Ohio State had the major I wanted (preparing me for physical therapy) and really the ultimate athletic experience. It was the best combination of everything for me.
