We recently spent five minutes with Washington State sophomore swimmer Mia Zahab and asked about her first 12 months as a Cougs.
 
What was your summer like? Were you able to do pool workouts anywhere?
Well, most days my morning usually started with coffee and a smoothie bowl, then walking my dog. After that I will usually work out in my makeshift gym in my garage. Then, I would head to work as an essential worker at the grocery store in my community. This also kept me active as I am stocking shelves, lifting boxes and moving and disinfecting carts so a ton of physical activity. After work, I came home for dinner and take some downtime for myself, whether it be yoga or watching a Netflix show.
 
I was not able to work out in the pool since all recreation facilities were closed and we were on lockdown here in Canada. This was a big change for me - I had not been out of the pool for that long in seven or eight years. After it started to get warmer, I was able to use my uncle's backyard pool and adapt my workouts using different drills and using resistance cords. So, i am looking forward to getting back in the water.
 
What were a couple highlights from this last season?
Definitely our wins were highlights, double dual meets against Wyoming and Colorado State, and then our win against Idaho. Another big highlight for me individually was probably at our midseason competition in Houston, when I achieved WSU Top-10 swims in a number of my events, made my NCAA 'B' cut in my 400 IM, and got extremely close to the 'B' cut in my 200 fly. This meet was a particular highlight also because our whole team had great races and we celebrated all our successes together - it was such a great time. I think this is one of those meets I will remember for the next three years at WSU.
 
 
You had qualified for the Canadian Olympic Swim Trials but with the Olympics pushed back to 2021, what's next, when and where will the trials be?
Canadian Olympic Trials have been postponed to April 2021 in Toronto. It's time to refocus my training and preparation over the next season. I was super excited for it this year, but now I have more time to prepare for next year which is a bonus! I am beyond excited for it and can't wait to return to Canada next spring and represent WSU at the trials!
 
What are a couple of your favorite things about Pullman?
It's so hard to narrow it down to only a few! My favorite restaurant in Pullman is probably Thai Ginger. I love heading there with friends or the team and i appreciate the big portion of such great food for such a good price. My favorite is the pad thai. I have yet to go hiking, but my favorite hangout spots in Pullman include hanging out with the team at bowling alley, or the roost, the coffee shop in downtown Pullman.
 
Other than WSU Swim Meets, what is your Cougar sporting event to attend and why?
I really enjoy a lot of the sports, I try to go to all of the sporting events at WSU to support other athletes and our school; I really enjoy football games because of the atmosphere, the music and there's always some fun event to look forward to at these games. When football season is over, I also attend and enjoy the women's and men's basketball games. My favorite part about the basketball games is probably being able to sit next to Butch!
 
Compare the atmosphere at Gibb Pool on Meet Day against other Pac-12 pools.
The atmosphere in Gibb pool on meet day is incomparable to any other pool in the Pac-12. No other pools had a drumline, music or support and fans like ours. I believe at WSU we bring a different family energy, and it really goes to show that being a Coug is what I want to be.
 
What do you remember about getting your first win as a Coug, team and individuals?
Our first win was the double dual meet against Colorado state and Wyoming. I had so much fun, and I know my teammates did as well. Our biggest goal when it comes to competition, it's always supporting and cheering on our teammates, having fun racing, and making sure we're the loudest team on deck. I really think we accomplished all of that at this meet. It also showed our ability to come together as a team to challenge ourselves. After the first day of the two day competition we were down in points but we did not let that affect our spirit. On the second day we came together and pulled through to beat both of the teams which was so exciting for us. It was such a great meet and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to be a part of it.
 
Who are the teammates who have helped you at WSU (In and out of the pool)?
I think each of my teammates have helped me grow in some way this past year. In the pool, Luci, Riley, Jewel, Taylor, Mackenzie, Lauren and Kate were so encouraging during fly and IM sets and they always kept me accountable and working at my hardest. I can't forget Ryan and Sierra who helped me mentally through these tough sets as well. Then again all of the girls on the team really helped me feel at home in Pullman when I am so far away from home. They taught me everything you need to know about college and college athletics, friendship and support which I'm forever grateful for.