Nick Alexiou’s Move from Virginia to UF

Junior year isn’t really anything special for most college students, however 2013 All American freestyle swimmer Nick Alexiou is an exception. Alexiou transferred from the University of Virginia this past spring to swim for the University of Florida.

Alexiou started swimming at the age of 12 after realizing he wasn’t too good at soccer. He had always enjoyed swimming as a kid so he decided to try out for a summer league team.

“It’s hot in Florida so being in a pool kinda makes sense over summer,” said Alexiou.

After high school in Clearwater, Alexiou went to swim for the University of Virginia. After the head coach retired at the end of his freshman year, Alexiou decided to stay for one more semester to see if he liked the new coaching staff.

“It wasn’t exactly the perfect fit for me under the new head coach,” said Alexiou.

Deciding he wanted to transfer, Alexiou went on recruiting trips to Tennessee and Florida. “Florida was definitely the best fit,” Alexiou said after his recruiting trip in December 2013.  He then transferred a short while later to swim under head coach Gregg Troy.

“I’ve received a lot of support from Gregg Troy… actually the whole staff together really,” said Alexiou about his new coaching staff.

With a new team and a new season come new goals as well. Alexiou wants a chance to swim on the 800 freestyle relay as well as place in the 200 and 500 freestyle. “I think this team right now has a chance of winning that relay… I would like to be an NCAA champion on the relay,” said Alexiou.

While Alexiou isn’t swimming, he tries to attend his political science classes as much as he can and likes to hang out with his teammates. “I try to do well in school…that’s really important…it’s why we’re all here,” said Alexiou.

Alexiou credits his Dad with being influential in who he is today. “He’s been there since day one… if I want to do something he’s going to listen to it and tell me why I should do it and why I shouldn’t do it. He always tries to give me the full picture on almost everything I do,” said Alexiou.

Alexiou strives to “take it one day at a time and just try to get better everyday.” The Gators next meet is against LSU at home in the O’Connell Center on Friday, October 10.