Senior spotlight: Nicole Beckman

With swimming being such a big part of her family, Minnesota State senior, Nicole Beckman, has continued the legacy, nearing the end of her final competitive swimming season.

“I have two older siblings and they grew up swimming, so I would always go to their meets and be up in the stands with my parents,” said Beckman. “I always wanted to get into the water and when I finally did, I fell in love with it.”

Beckman grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and started swimming at the age of seven. She attended school at Whitnall High School, where she was a division II High School State Champion. She also was a national qualifier for club swimming, as well as a two-time Woodland Conference Champion.

Beckman decided that continuing her swimming career at MSU was a must, immediately after her recruiting trip.

“When I came here from my recruiting trip, I just saw the team dynamic. I wanted to be a part of that because they were just so close,” said Beckman. “You could tell the friendships were amazing and like everyone was so supportive, and I just wanted to be a part of that environment.”

Beckman’s experience with collegiate swimming has differed greatly from her time in high school. 

“I feel like high school swimming was pretty laid back for me and then in college it’s like everyone wants to be here,” said Beckman. “Like they had a choice to swim in college or to not swim and it kind of brings us all together. There’s no negative talk.”

Beckman has made quite the splash as a Maverick. She has finished first in many events over the past three seasons, along with being named to the NSIC All-Academic Team/Team of Excellence in 2021.

Being a part of the Mavericks has made a huge impact on Beckman, especially as a senior.

“It showed me how to be self disciplined. Like, be a hard worker and that you can achieve your goals if you put in hard work. You have to earn it,” said Beckman.

Beckman is planning to major in Communication Disorders and attend grad school after graduation this spring. She chose this major due to her own experiences as a kid.

“When I was in third grade, I had to go to speech therapy and I was so embarrassed,” said Beckman. “But I realized that they helped me and even though I was embarrassed, I want to help kids and help them progress toward their communication goals.”

For her last season, Beckman has the utmost confidence in herself and the team.

“Our team goal is to win conference again,” said Beckman. “Personally, I’d say to just have fun and enjoy the moment. Also, maybe go best time and qualify for nationals again.”

Write to Ali Reed at Alicia.Reed@mnsu.edu

Header Photo: Senior Nicole Beckman nears the end of her final competitive swimming season. (Dylan Long)