The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look at current women's swimming & diving student-athlete Bethany Seagraves.

Name: Bethany Seagraves

Hometown (HS): Baton Rouge, LA (Saint Joseph's Academy)

Sport: Women's Swimming & Diving

Major: Nursing

** How did you start getting involved with swimming? How old were you when you started competing?

I started swimming when my parents put me in summer league with my older brother because it was considered the best way to escape the heat while we were living in Houston, Texas. I started competing in meets at six years old and haven't stopped since.

** Do you have any current plans for after graduation?

I'm planning on working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room after graduation, though I'm not quite sure where yet!

** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?

Don't take classes back to back and leave room for a lunch break.

** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?

Art History 101, I'm a very visual learner so I really loved how I was able to learn about both the culture and history of a variety of civilizations. Unfortunately, I lost the lecture powerpoints from the class after switching computers.

** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?

Definitely Mardi Gras and its unique blend of Cajun, French, and Spanish/Creole culture and food.

** What is something that people may not know about you but should?

I am allergic to tree nuts but only found out after I was rushed to the ER by my teammates as a freshman during Emory's snow day, and two days before my first Chemistry exam. Unfortunately, I ate a few pistachios in a when hanging out with some teammates at our dorm when I decided to take a study break.

** Other than swimming, what is another sport you think you could play at a high level?

I did gymnastics when I was younger and still maintained a lot of my flexibility which helped me a lot with my swimming career.

** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?

Jessie Owens, he had a super interesting life I think he would have some really interesting stories to tell.

** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?

Bingeing Grey's Anatomy and the Office on Netflix, and Eater on Youtube. And competing with my roommates every weeknight on Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune

** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?

Chocolate 

** What would you say are your top three television shows of all time?

Game of Thrones, Psych, and West Wing or Mad Men (I can't choose)

** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?

I love hiking on the trails around Atlanta in the Fall and Spring with friends.

** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?

It would definitely be swimming in the 100 backstroke final at D3 Nationals my freshman year. I remembers standing behind the blocks completely unable to focus because wondering if it was real or not.

** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?

Does being a spectator at Emory volleyball games count? Haha. Also, beach day afternoons with my teammates on our annual Florida training trip.

** What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?

Take care of each other and never be afraid to reach out to teammates or coaching staff for help because love having y'all here!