Recent graduate and dual-sport soccer/swimming student-athlete Jillian Lewis '25, a native of Ellicott City, Md. and engineering science major, takes a look back on her Sweet Briar journey and reflects on the lessons learned and memories made over the past four years.

At what point during the recruitment process did you realize that Sweet Briar was the right place for you and why?

As soon as I stepped onto campus, I knew it would be my home for four years.  The campus is absolutely beautiful, and meeting the soccer and swim team on my recruit visit and seeing how welcoming they were, was what really pushed me to commit.

Heading into college what goals – either academically or athletically – did you set for yourself and did you meet those goals or adjust them over time?

Academically I have always held myself to the highest standard.  As for athletics, my main goal was to build the programs, and to leave a lasting impact on both teams and I would say I am proud of what I was able to accomplish over my four years.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Without a doubt the boathouse.  I just love being by the water, and being able to go for a swim or just hanging out with friends on the dock.

How has being a dual sport athlete impacted your collegiate experience?

It definitely kept me busy, but I loved it.  I loved always being in a season, starting with soccer and then jumping straight into swim and then I would have about a two week break before soccer spring season.  It allowed me to keep a consistent schedule for my academics, plus the perk of always being in shape.  Most importantly it gave me two groups of friends, there was nothing more fun than having my soccer team come cheer me on at a swim meet, or vice versa.

What has been your most challenging moment and how did you overcome it?

Pretty much every athlete is going to experience some type of injury during their athletic career.  After committing to Sweet Briar my senior year of high school, I tore my labrum in my hip.  Coming into the soccer season my first year, I was extremely nervous as I was not yet cleared.  Putting in the work over the summer and working with our excellent athletic trainers, I was able to strengthen myself to be able to play the entire season. Facing this injury my first year helped me when I had other injuries come up along my collegiate athletic career. Much thanks to sports med for all of their help over my four years.

Were there any internships or classes that you took that led you towards the civil engineering field? 

[The] summer going into my senior year I had an internship at Columbia Engineering Inc, a Structural Engineering firm.  Through my experience there, I knew that civil engineering was definitely the concentration for me.  I also really enjoyed some of my engineering courses, especially structures.  Sweet Briar Engineering also does a great job at providing hands-on experience.

What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back in time to four years ago?

Take a moment to slow down, and really enjoy everything.  It will go by a lot faster than you think it will, and don’t take anything for granted.

What advice would you give to incoming first-years?

Work hard at your sport, but also especially in the classroom.  Lean on your teammates for support when you need it, they will have your back.  Also, get involved on campus in different communities, join clubs and maybe even try a class outside your major.

Who at Sweet Briar has been the most influential to you over the past four years?

I don’t think I could narrow it down to one person.  My professors and coaches for sure, but also all of my teammates.  The ones that graduated before me taught me so much, and helped grow me into the leader I am today.

What does it mean to you to be able to call yourself a Sweet Briar alumna?

I am so proud to call myself a Sweet Briar alumna.  Sweet Briar truly provided me with the best college experience I could have asked for.  The opportunity to be a dual-sport athlete, and receive an excellent education.  I am so happy to now be a part of such a strong alumnae community.

What has been your favorite moment as a part of the soccer and swimming programs?

It is too hard to pick just one favorite moment.  For soccer I loved all of our pre-game locker moments, and our away game bus rides.  From all the team bonding activities during preseason to the ridiculous punishments we would give each other if we lost a drill during practice.  For swimming, I really loved our winter training trip. It was always such a great time to bond with each other, and really train for that final push to the ODAC Championship meet.

What was it like to get the opportunity to be on the same team, and later be coached by your sister?

Not many people get the opportunity to play with a sibling, especially at the collegiate level.  Playing with my sister is something that I will truly cherish for the rest of my life, and having her stay for my last two years as my coach was also extremely special. I am so happy that I got to share Sweet Briar with her.

How do you feel about the foundation/legacy you’ve left behind for both the soccer and swimming programs and what do you look forward to seeing in the future?

I am proud of the mark that I have left behind for both the soccer and the swim team.  I look forward to seeing each team continue to grow and build as a program, as they work their way up in the ODAC.

How has being a part of SAAC influenced your student-athlete career and life on campus?

Athletics has always been my passion, so being able to get more involved on campus, but still have it tied back into my sports was something that I really enjoyed.  I would encourage all athletes to try and engage with SAAC, it is a great way to get involved, especially as a first year.

Anything you would like to say to your teammates or fellow classmates?

Thanks for being my second family, and I wish everyone good luck in the upcoming seasons on the field/in the pool and in the classroom.  I’ll be watching and cheering you on, Go Sweet!

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