Oct. 22, 2010
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Maureen Abeita, a member of the University of New Mexico’s swim team, is this week’s subject for the Lobo Great Eight. An Albuquerque native, she has been in the pool since she can remember. The junior is looking to show New Mexico what she is truly made of.
As a freshman, Abeita recorded the seventh fastest time in New Mexico for the 400-yard individual medley. She also took ninth in the 500-yard freestyle. In her sophomore season Abeita helped the team reach several new highs and goals then before. As an upperclassmen now, she is stepping up to leadership position and proving what a true Lobo she is.
How has being on the UNM swimming and diving team changed your life?
Being on the UNM Swim Team has changed my life because I now belong to an awesome family. I can’t imagine my life without any one of these girls. We’re there for one another in the pool, meets, classes or just hanging out. Swimmers share certain mannerisms and just do things differently then a lot of people. We can be ourselves around each other, without judgment!
If you didn’t swim what sport would you play?
If I didn’t swim, I would play ultimate frisbee. I love it. I actually carry a frisbee with me in my backpack at all times… just in case.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
I have too many embarrassing moments to pick from. One that I will never forget is when I got a hole in my suit, during a race. As I bent down when the starter said take your mark, my suit ripped at the seam on the bottom. I didn’t know about it until my friend told me, after I had already raced, warmed down and was back with the team. I got a lot of weird looks from the guys who swam in the heat after mine.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years…I’ll be 25? I honestly don’t know where I see myself in five years. Looking into the future scares me a little bit, but whatever I’m doing and wherever I am, I hope I’m happy.
What is your theme song and why?
“Young Folks,” by Peter Bjorn and John. It always has been my theme song and finds its way onto CDs I make for other people…it’s just so good!
If you could stand up for any cause what would it be and why?
Any cause that benefits suffering countries in Latin America is close to my heart. I spent a summer in Nicaragua with the organization Amigos de las Americas, and it’s changed my life forever. There are so many little things we can do that have a huge impact on these people’s lives. I just think it’s really important to share and give what we can to benefit others in need.
What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season would have to be Fall – perfect temperature, jackets and pumpkin spice lattes.
Red or Green Chile?
Both. Green in the morning and red in the evening!