Alumni Spotlight: Men's Swimmer Brendan McFadden
Welcome to the sixth edition of the Goucher College Athletics Alumnae/I Spotlight!
The Alumnae/I Spotlight is a Question and Answer feature of some of your favorite Gophers. We look forward to updating you on several former Goucher athletics and if you are a former Gopher and would like to participate in our Alumane/i Spotlight, Click HERE and we might use your responses for our spotlight feature!
Today we put the spotlight on former Goucher men's swimmer Brendan McFadden:McFadden was a four-year letterwinner on the men's swimming team from 2009-13. He finished in the Top-10 individually four times at the Landmark Conference Championships in his career. He finished ninth in the 100 breast (1:04.60) in his freshman year, seventh in the 100 free (48:83) as a sophomore, seventh in the 200 free (1:49.79) and eighth in the 50 free (22:27) in his junior campaign. He also registered two Top-16 finishes at the championships with a 12th-place standing in the 100 breast (1:03.69) in his sophomore year and 15th in the 100 fly (1:03.67) as a senior. In addition, he was a member of five school-record relay teams at the league meet in the 200-medey relay (1:36.23, 2010-11), 200 free (1:27:45, 2010-11), 400-medley relay (3:34.53, 2010-11), 200-free relay (1:49.79, 2011-12) and the 400-free relay (3:14.27, 2012-13) with the 200-medley relay reaching the silver medal.
Why did you choose Goucher College?:
I actually transferred to Goucher College after connecting with the swim coach, Tom Till. I am eternally grateful for his support and mentorship throughout my time at Goucher.
How did Goucher College prepare you for the real world?:
Goucher College prepared me for the real world in many different ways. Goucher's push to ensure that individuals are aware of the inequities within our society pushed me to apply and accept a position within Teach For America. Additionally, the well-rounded education and individual support that I received at the school does not exist at most other institutions.
How did being a student-athlete help shape you into the person you are today?:
Participating in an NCAA sport greatly helped me to understand how much hard work and determination pay off. Moreover, student-athletes learn the importance of time-management and motivation.
What was your most memorable experience at Goucher athletically?:
I would have to say the training trips to Puerto Rico and the conference championship meets. Peurto Rico was incredibly beautiful and tiring at the same time. The team works so hard but it wasn't nearly as bad when you could recover in the sand! It was always so incredible to see everyone's hard work pay off and many teammates achieve their goals and the conference championships.
What was your most non-athletic memorable experience at Goucher?:
Meeting my wife, Mary!
What advice would you give current college students interested in pursuing a career in your field?:
If you are pursuing a career in education, I would suggest getting into the classroom! Nothing beats hands on experience and Goucher College's education department does a great job of setting up internship opportunities for students!
Looking back at your time at the Goucher, what advice would you give to current Goucher students or someone looking to come to the Goucher?:
To students looking to come, I would stress the importance of the relationships that you will make at a school like Goucher. The small class sizes and teams will give you an opportunity to lead research, find internships, and connect with coaches and faculty that isn't available at larger schools. To current students, enjoy your time and appreciate all that Goucher has to offer. From study abroad opportunities to club activities to amazing faculty and staff members, cherish this special time in your lives!
Give an update on what you have been up to since graduating from the Goucher College:
After graduating, I joined Teach For America here in Baltimore City. After completing the two year requirement and receiving a Masters from JHU, I opted to continue teaching in Baltimore. Currently, I teach middle school mathematics.
