E8 Spotlight: Dylan Staniszewski
The Empire 8 Conference is full of talented student-athletes and the E8 Spotlight is one way for fans to get to know them.
Dylan Staniszewski (Oakton, VA/Oakton) and is a junior freestyler for the Alfred University swimming and diving team.
Why did you choose to attend Alfred University?
I chose Alfred because it was one of the only art schools that allowed me to build my curriculum around a wide range of interests. At a liberal arts school, I get the academic stimulation and conversation I loved in high school while also being able to explore a wide range of artistic medium.
What has been the greatest part of your experience as a college athlete?
Walking into states last year, a huge group of our alumni walked in with gigantic blown up heads of our seniors. They didn’t say anything as they walked in so one by one, our team realized that the crazy people in the stands were our crazy people. The rest of the meet everyone was loud and cheering and super supportive and pumped for all of the races.
Who has been the most influential person during your athletic career?
My high school club coach was an amazing mentor. He instilled in me that having pride in what you do means personal responsibility in daily effort. He also told me, when I quit swimming a couple of years ago, that I was the type of athlete that could quit for a couple of years and come back to the sport, and that really meant a lot to me that someone believed in me even when I was burnt out.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself graduating from grad school and working in a gallery setting with a focus on photography and digital media.
What do you like most about competing in the Empire 8?
I enjoy the fact that I can still compete without the high stress of a DI or DII program. It is important to me to dedicate a lot of my time to my academics and a DIII program allows me to divide my time in a way that still allows me to compete. I swim because it is something I enjoy doing and at the DIII level with no scholarships, most of the people you find competing are there because they share a love for the sport.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I edit a lot of photos, play with my dog and read.
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
Travel to Iceland, exhibit work in a museum and learn arabic.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am afraid of fish.
Invite four famous people, living or dead, to a dinner party:
Helena Boham Carter, George Orwell, Princess Diana and Annie Leibovitz, Tim Burton
Rapid Fire Questions
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Band/Musician: Miranda Lambert
Favorite TV Show: Xena: Warrior Princess
Favorite Movie: Armageddon
Favorite Book: 1984
Favorite Place To Visit: West Virgina
Something you Can’t Live Without: Sleep
Pet Peeve: Odd numbers on the radio volume
Celebrity Dream Date: Angelina Jolie