Calzada Looks to Finish Strong

AMES, Iowa- At this time of year, it is difficult to understand why Frances Calzada would leave the warm weather and waters of Puerto Rico for the snow, wind and ice of Iowa. However, it was Calzada who took the initiative to come to Iowa State.

“Frances was looking at different universities and Iowa State's admissions office was in Puerto Rico. She had the chance to meet with some people and found out about the team,” Iowa State head coach Duane Sorenson said. “She contacted us and decided to take the opportunity to attend Iowa State to continue her educational and swimming career.”

Calzada is coming down the homestretch of a career that has seen her have an impact both in and out of the pool. Going into this weekend's meets with Nebraska and Nebraska-Omaha, Calzada has collected 39 event wins in her career.

“I wanted a new experience and was ready for some new challenges,” Calzada said. “It was an exciting opportunity to get away from home and still be able to continue my swimming career. I have always had goals and I've accomplished most of them. I feel I have a great passion for the sport.”

A majority of those wins (23) have come through relays. Her nine relay wins in the 2008-09 season earned her the team's Cyclone Relay Swimmer award. Her relay prowess also has her on the Iowa State record board as a member of the 200 medley and the 200 free relay team.

“Frances is a team player, she loves relays and always comes through,” Sorenson said. “She really cares about her teammates and we know that we will get the best out of her on a relay.”

While Calzada has always been one of ISU's more consistent swimmers there is always an occasion which gives her more motivation to swim harder.

“It was always exciting to have my mom there to support me,” Calzada said. “I knew she was always cheering me on and supporting me thousands of miles away, but in person it is completely different. I know that I am going to get a hug and congrats after the meet and that is much better in-person.”

Though the season has little time left, she still has plenty that she wants to accomplish.

“We have Nebraska on Saturday and that is a big meet,” Calzada said. “Hopefully the team will come together and pick up the win. Then on Senior Day, I just want to have fun and make it memorable. Finally, at the conference meet I want to go out with a bang.”

“We would like her to finish off with a bang and get into at least the consolation heats of the 50 or 100 free or both at the Big 12 Championships,” Sorenson said. “We want her to finish off swimming lifetime bests.”

Iowa State's first meet of the weekend is Friday night at the HPER Pool in Omaha against the UNO Mavericks at 6 p.m. The next day, the Cyclones invade the Devaney Center Pool in Lincoln for a conference showdown with the Nebraska Cornhuskers at 1 p.m. The meet against Nebraska last year was ISU's most competitive, with the Huskers coming out on top 156-144.

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Frances Calzada

Frances Calzada

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