York College senior Lisa King, selected as a team captain this year, has won many awards and honors during her swimming career, which is nearly two decades long.  This week’s CAC INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete, King ignites the spark and energy for her team and will be a leader for the Spartans this season.

What is your background in the sport you play?   I have been swimming on a year round basis since the age of four.  I swam in New Jersey for Jersey Wahoos and Meadowbrook Swim Club.  When I moved to Maryland, I started swimming for the Bel Air Athletic Club.  I also swam all four years for my high school, C. Milton Wright which is located in Bel Air, Maryland.  I have been swimming for the Spartans for the past two years.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center because I enjoy working out, climbing the rock wall, playing wallyball and swimming at the Natatorium.  I attend Relay for Life, Midnight Madness, and Spartapalooza each year which are all held at Grumbacher.  I feel privileged to have such as nice facility. The only thing I would change is allowing the students to go off of the high dive.     

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?  I participate in S.E.A. (Student Education Association) and I’m a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  The women’s swim team has improved each year since I have been on the team.  My most memorable experience was beating Salisbury last season for the first time in six years and scoring within a few points of Marymount. Last year was one of the strongest women’s teams we’ve had in York College women’s swimming history.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  Many students struggle with finding a full time job once graduating from college.  This is a problem because many of these individuals are trying to earn enough money to live on their own and pay student loans.  They often find themselves in a financial hole which is challenging to overcome.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?  If I could change one thing in the world it would be to eliminate all crime such as murders, stealing, abuse and unfair treatment of individuals.  It is difficult to watch the news on TV when they talk about all of the crime that occurs in an area.  Every day many individuals lose their lives or are physically and/or mentally hurt by a wrong doing inflicted by another individual or individuals.  I would accomplish this goal by teaching the importance of treating others with humanity.  

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline? I am majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education.  It is important not to “teach to the middle” (teaching to the average student’s ability) because it is essential for every student, including those who are gifted or struggling.  Early intervention should be provided for students who do not meet grade level standards.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Terri Dunnigan, who was my high school swim coach, was the most influential person of my life.  Mrs. Dunnigan was a great role model that helped shape me during my transition into early adulthood.  Her work ethic and dedication were instilled in me to influence my life as a student athlete and an individual.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Don’t concentrate so much on the future to the point where you are not able to enjoy the time you have now.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Attending professional sporting games is my favorite form of entertainment.  I enjoy going to Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers games with family and friends.  There is nothing better than a stadium full of thousands of fans cheering for the same team.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite athlete is baseball player, Shane Victorino, from the Philadelphia Phillies.  I believe Victorino is a leader for the Phillies, contributes a lot to their success, and I can count on him to always score or make a defensive play for his team.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    

Taylor Swift is my favorite female artist. I have always wanted to see her perform at a concert or have the opportunity to ask her questions about her inspirations for writing her own songs.

I would also like to eat dinner with Channing Tatum because he is a great actor and dancer.  In the movie Step Up, Mr. Tatum plays a character who overcomes the challenges and expectations of many individuals at a private arts school.  This movie is one of my favorites and another reason is because he is very physically attractive.

The last individual I would like to have dinner with is Nicole Polizzi or also known as Snooki from MTV's Jersey Shore.  I would love to eat dinner with her because Snooki has a unique lifestyle that is very different from most Americans.  I would like to get to know Snooki and her lifestyle.  Snooki would bring a lot of entertainment to the table and I can see myself laughing for hours with her.