After graduating four seniors from the 2019-20 Salem swim team, coaches Tim Hillen and Vavina Lapham faced the task of building their program for the future. With many building blocks already in place—including Olivia Kleven and Allison Wakefield—the coaching tandem added five first year swimmers for the 2020-21 campaign.
Among the five newcomers to the Salem swim program is Abigail Hawkins, who joined the program from Deep Gap, N.C. The other first year members of the team include Mary Lane, Julissa Perez, Elianna Vahai and Zay Vinson.
The future of Salem swimming is bright with a 2020-21 unit that also includes three sophomores, one junior and two seniors.
Hawkins was homeschooled and completed her graduation in 2020, one year early from the estimated date. She competed in swimming in the North Carolina Home Educators Athletic Conference as a sophomore, junior and senior. Additionally, she swam for the Northwest North Carolina YMCA under the tutelage of coach Richard Huffman and was a member of the Watauga Swim Team, coached by Josh Wilson.
In addition to being a competitive swimmer, Hawkins was active on her debate team and mock trial teams. She recently spoke about her first semester at Salem and provided the following answers:
Name: Abigail Hawkins
Sport(s): Swimming
Who inspired you to play this sport and why? I learned how to swim when I was older, the girl who taught me, Elizabeth McCann, was a competitive swimmer and I wanted to be just like her!
Describe some of the things that you have done, while being away from campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, that have made an impact on your life. I have increased on my time outside, I love to go for a run, or do homework in my backyard or a nearby park. Getting outside has become a crucial part of virtual learning for me.
Favorite Food: I absolutely love tacos or any kind of Mexican food, a close second would be Japanese fried rice and teriyaki steak or Chinese spicy low mein.
Favorite Class at Salem: So far my favorite class has been Exer 245 "Women in Sports". As a female athlete, has been extremely insightful to learn about each aspect of athletics (collegiate sports, Olympics, sports media, etc.) and how they all affect female athletes specifically.
What is the one thing that you have learned most by competing in athletics that you apply in everyday life? One thing I've learned that is very specific to swimming is that my success depends on my own effort. I know in every aspect of life I can't rely on the people around me to succeed.
What do you look forward to most in taking the field for the first time at Salem?: I am really looking forward to swimming under my coach at Salem, Coach Vavina. I am do thankful to have a coach who genuinely wants to see me succeed.
Intended major and any thoughts about your career once you finish college?: I am intending to double major in political science and communications. After salem I plan to go to law school, or get my master's in international relations
Superstitions that are in my pregame ritual: I haven't really found my pre meet ritual, however I have a slight tradition for away meets. I always get chicken minis from Chick Fil A.
Favorite person to follow on social media: Simone Manuel the Olympic swimmer. I love how relatable and inspiring she is!
If you could travel anywhere where would you go: Scotland or Norway! I have a ton of heritage in those countries so I would love to see them one day.
What made you decide to attend Salem: I chose Salem mainly because they were an academically challenging school with staff commited to student success. I chose to swim at Salem when I met my coach, I knew she was a coach who would push me to be a better swimmer as well as a better student. I knew during my tour that the community at Salem was a great fit for both parts of me.