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Trey Freeman, a fifth year at the University of Florida, has had an impressive career as a member of the Gators swim team. Freeman joined Sports Scene on Monday and talked about his love and passion for swimming.
His Swim Career
Freeman was a highly decorated swimmer in high school. He said his coach and her sister, Amy and Tracy Calkin, attended UF on a swim scholarship and helped guide him in his collegiate swimming decision making process. Now, Freeman is a middle-distance freestyle swimmer for the Gators and looks to play a major role for the team this season.
With the coaching, mindset and teachings Florida has given Freeman, he’s been able to make the most of his swimming career in Gainesville. Competing in two U.S. Olympic Trails and earning a place on the U.S. World Championship team, Freeman said he hopes to make it professionally. While he was disappointed he has yet to make the Olympic trials team, he felt it was a special moment to be apart of the experience and share it with his teammates who made the team.
Life as a UF Swimmer
After being asked what the season and training looks like for Freeman, he provided insight into what all his student-athlete career consists of. He said he was given five weeks off from swimming at the end of the summer, the longest break he’s had in eight years. Additionally, Freeman said that swimmers usually get around two weeks of rest at the end of every summer.
With the Gators swimming season beginning on Sept. 23, the team’s season won’t end until March. After the NCAA Championships end in March, international training begins. For a swimmer who hopes of competing professionally, Freeman said training lasts 95% of the year.
Freeman spoke very highly of head coach Anthony Nesty. Not only is he a role model for his athletes, but Freeman said he’s a great mentor as well.
Being a Student and an Athlete
Freeman is in his last two semesters as a sports management major. While he started as a business major, he said he wants to work in the sports business. He said he has his eyes on a spot in the 2026 Olympics but also understands the importance of getting internships for his professional career. Freeman is a strong student and knows his education and internship opportunities are just as important as his swimming career.
What’s next for Freeman and the Gators?
Team-wise, with knowledgeable seniors and talented freshman, the UF swim team looks to continue their success. Freeman says the program has major goals for the upcoming season and hopes the team can succeed in the pool.
