Anna Rauchholz, a sophomore swimmer at Washington State University, has had a tremendous swimming career so far. Born in Washington, DC but soon relocated to Oregon, Anna worked her way up to becoming a state champion in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. As a junior in high school, Anna won state championships in the backstroke and was later rated the fourth-best high school swimmer out of Oregon before deciding to continue her career at WSU.
 
Rauchholz had a great freshman year, recording three individual wins, posting two WSU Top-10 times throughout the season and was able to qualify for the CSCAA National Invitational Championships where she placed seventh in the 100 back and eighth in the 50 back. We were able to sit down and talk with Anna, discussing her sophomore year so far, biggest moments of the season, and much more.
 
Here is what Anna had to say…
 
How did the fall portion of your sophomore year go?
It went well. We were able to come together as a team and put up some good matches. We continued to push each other throughout the semester, so I think it went well. With that being said, I'm not satisfied, and I definitely want more.
 
It's your second year in Pullman. What are your thoughts on the city as a whole?
It's been good, but at first it was definitely different. A town this small is not something I was previously used to, but I was able to adjust, and I've loved it ever since.
 
Is there a certain meet that has been a favorite of yours in your 1 ½ years here?
We've had two meets in Texas so far and those definitely stand out. For one, the meet is four days instead of the typical 1-2 day meets, so it allows us players to build the camaraderie and it translates to the meets. Definitely one of the highlights of the meets so far.
 
What does a typical offseason look like for you?
Honestly, we don't really have an offseason. There's a small break after the season has completed, but soon after you get right back to practice. I usually just try to find anything I could work in, and this past summer I wanted to focus on getting my "pulls" stronger.
 
Was swimming always the main Sport for you?
I played soccer while also swimming. I started doing both at a young age but stopped playing soccer after eighth grade to focus solely on swimming.
 
What was the process like when it came to choosing WSU?
Being that my recruitment was taking place during covid, it was definitely a different challenge. While I could only talk to other schools on the phone, WSU was the only place I was able to visit, and I saw myself here right away. It was a great visit and I could not be happier with my decision.
 
This team seems to have a really close bond. What's been the key to building the team camaraderie?
We always find time outside of swimming to meet up with each other. We do plenty of volunteer work together, game nights, movie nights, events like that just help you enjoy each other's company which definitely translates to the practices and games.
 
You were part of the team that set a school record in the 400 medley relay this past fall, describe to me that feeling when you break a record of that kind.
Being that last year at the same exact meet, we missed out on the record by a couple tenths. Knowing that we put the work in to come back to the same meet and redeem ourselves, it meant so much to everybody.
 
Still having over half your career left to go at this university. What is one thing in particular that you want to accomplish before leaving here.
Break the relay record, 100%
 
Good luck on the rest of the season Anna. Go Cougs!
 
**In WSU's wins over Utah (Feb. 2) and at Idaho (Feb. 3), Rauchholz helped the 200 medley relay team to a win and also won the 100 back, in both meets.