Senior Spotlight

By: Kathryn Godshalk

Riley Cassidy is a key member of the C.W. Post swim team. A 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Honorable Mention All-American, Cassidy broke school records in the 100 Fly and the 200 Individual Medley, in her 2009-2010 season, along with helping to set the new C.W. Post record for the 200 Free Relay. On March 9^th Cassidy will travel to Texas for the NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championships where she will compete in the 100 Fly and 200 Fly.  Along with being a student-athlete, Cassidy is also a Senior Resident Assistant.

Name: Riley Cassidy

Major: English Literature

Sport: Swimming

Hometown: Cambridge, Ontario

How long have you been swimming for the C.W. Post swim team?

“I’ve been swimming for four years on the swim team.”

What was your first impression of Post?

“I really liked the campus; I thought it was really pretty. I liked that it was close to the city too. I liked that the swim team was a young team so there was a lot of potential for me to grow.”

How do you feel about Post now?

“I feel the same way. I feel like I have grown a lot since I first came here and I’ve learned a lot.”

What lesson(s) will you take from Post?

“I learned that it’s important not to sweat the small stuff.”

What is the best memory you have with the team?

“Probably every time we’ve been to nationals. It’s always been really fun and we’ve bonded over that.”

What do you want to do after you graduate from Post?

“I’m going to do a master’s program back home in Canada and after that, hopefully get a good job and keep swimming.”

What will you miss the most from Post?

“My teammates and the business of living in New York.”

What was it like to break a record?

“It felt really good because I feel like I worked really hard and it paid off. I was especially happy because that time qualified me for the US Open.”

What is it like being a student, an athlete, and a Senior Resident Assistant?

“It was hard at first but I learned how to juggle everything as time went on. Even though I’m busy, it’s still a lot of fun and I’m glad I took on so much.”