WASHINGTON (June 16, 2020) – Howard University rising junior public relations major A'Maiya Allen talked with captain and recent graduate Andreas Weech (Nassau, Bahamas) from the women's swimming & diving team, asking nine questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about swimming?
A: I love being around my team, it's like a second family -- especially at Howard!
 
Q: How and when did you start swimming?
A: I learned to swim at three years old because swimming is part of my family. My parents swam and both of my sisters swam in college, so it was passed down in the family. I didn't really have much of a choice, but to be a swimmer.
 
Q: Why did you choose Howard?
A: Initially, before the recruiting trip, I was unsure about Howard. But after coming for my visit and seeing the way the team interacted, I knew there was such a special bond. They played loud music during their practice and seemed very family oriented. I felt the bond before I officially committed.
 
Q: What has kept you motivated throughout the four years at Howard?
A: My relationship with God kept me going. My relationship with Him has grown since being at Howard, I've relied on Him throughout my four years.
 
Also, my family kept me motivated, especially my parents. I couldn't go without a day calling my mom and texting my dad. My boyfriend, Devin, and Leanne McMaster (Howard teammate) kept me going too.
 
Q: Who is your biggest sports inspiration?
A: My teammates inspired me, especially Leanne (McMaster), DeAngela Fobbs, Madison Freeland, Skylar Smith, and our men's captains (Kegan Ford, Noah Nicholas, and Maalik Nixon). They helped push me through many challenging days.
 
Also, Leanne and Skylar were my suitemates and they would help with eating a healthy diet.
 
Q: What is your favorite swimming or Howard memory?
A: My favorite memory was our men's team winning 2017 Yellow Jacket Invitational because everyone was celebrating, which was nice.
 
Even though we didn't win, the men won for the first time in years. So, that was special.
 
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan to complete a post baccalaureate premedical program, a one-year course that assist with the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) while preparing you for other classes in medical school.
 
After the one-year program, I plan to attend medical school while pursuing a career as a cardiologist.
 
Q: What is one thing you will miss about Howard?
A: My friends because they became my family.
 
Also, I'll miss the Howard culture because everyone was so friendly. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
 
Q: Do you have any parting words to the rest of your team?
A: I hope to see everyone again, but I'll be sure to return for meets and check-in.
 
Also, I'm so grateful for my teammates because they have molded me into the person I am today. I was taking 22 credits while training alone at night. It was rough at times, but my teammates always checked in. They would smile and give me a hug, that kept me going.
 
About Weech
 
Andreas Weech was a four-year member of the women's swimming & diving team where she competed primarily in the freestyle and butterfly events.
 
In her collegiate career, she etched herself into the school record book, earning spots on the program's All-Time Performance List.
 
Outside the pool, Weech was an outstanding scholar-athlete, making the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team twice (2018 & 2019) and the 2018 Eastern College Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll.
 
In Spring 2020, the Bahamas native graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and minor in chemistry. After graduation, she plans to complete a post baccalaureate premedical program, a one-year course that assist with the MCAT while preparing you for other classes in medical school.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.