When you glance at the women’s swimming roster on the University of New England Web site, you will notice the Nor’easters have attracted student-athletes from all over the nation. Nine different states are represented, including Maine’s bookend on the West Coast, California.
This may lead you to ask, “Why in the world would someone travel all the way across the country to go to a relatively small university to study and play sports?” Enter Ali Wagner ’09, a young woman who has made that journey, and in the process, has found her niche as an accomplished student and integral member of the Nor’easters’ swim team.
Here is her story:
If first impressions makes all the difference, Wagner may very well not be here today. Flash back to April of 2005. It was her first visit to UNE (as a high school senior)—her first visit to Maine, in fact, and it was snowing. Snow in April is weather Wagner certainly was unaccustomed to back home in Monrovia, California, a city of approximately 40,000 residents located 20 minutes east of Los Angeles. Yet, she knew UNE has a strong reputation in her field of study—marine biology—and she had been receiving recruiting calls from Kate Roy, the Nor’easters’ head swim coach. So, she was not going to let an April snowstorm deter her from attending a university in which she had a keen interest.
“I had no idea UNE even existed until October of my senior year,” Wagner reflects. “Once I found out how good the marine biology program was, I decided to apply right away. Kate (Roy) showed a lot of interest in me, which definitely helped me make my decision. Once I visited with my family, I was like ‘yeah, I’m coming here’.” Wagner chose the University of New England over four other schools located in her home state.
Wagner knew at an early age she was interested in marine science. When she visited Sea World in San Diego with her grandparents at the age of six, she asked the trainers at the facility what she needed to do in order to do their job. Wagner was told she would really have to take a liking to the sciences. It is no coincidence that years later Wagner really enjoyed her science classes at Monrovia High, a school of more than 2,000 students and employer of her father, Mike.
Her high school athletics career saw her participate on the varsity swimming and water polo teams in each of her four years. She was a captain in each sport and received numerous awards in both activities.
The transition to UNE was not without its ups-and-downs. “At first during my freshman year, I was terrified,” says Wagner. “People thought I was nuts to go to school so far from home. It made me grow up quickly.”
Because of the distance involved, Wagner is able to get home just twice each year, during winter break and spring break. Her mother (Christy) has traveled here each of the last two seasons during the New England Championship, and this year will joined by her husband and son (Zachary, a high school senior).
Three years later, Wagner would have plenty to brag about if she were a boastful person. She carries a 3.11 cumulative grade point average and has helped transform the swim team from a fledgling program to one that can compete with some of New England’s finest. Wagner is the program’s career leader in points earned (she should surpass the 1,000-point barrier at some point this season), holds six pool records at the Campus Center, and has earned all-New England status.
Back in December at The Commonwealth Coast Conference Invitational, Wagner won four individual events for the first time in her competitive swimming career. Yet, she was quick to hand out credit for that accomplishment.
“My times have improved dramatically since high school,” she says. “I can’t say enough about how great the coaching is here…I knew all of my hard work had finally paid off.”
When asked about goals for the remainder of her collegiate swimming career, Wagner quickly replies, “I would love to make it to the NCAA’s. It’s been my goal since my freshman year.”
And after graduation?
“I’ll probably go back to California,” predicts Wagner. “This summer I hope to get an internship at an aquarium in Long Beach (California). Beyond that, I’m really not sure.”
Whatever she ends up doing later in life, she will probably look back at that snowy day in April and smile.
5 Laps with Ali Wagner:
Who is the person you look up to the most?
“Definitely my parents. My family has always been there for me my entire life. They have given me support when I have needed it and motivation when those times called for it.”
The rumor is your brother may attend UNE after he graduates this spring. How would that make you feel?
“That would be great. We’re really close, and we were always friends growing up. Me liking it here so much has certainly helped his interest.”
What is your favorite event and why?
“100-yard butterfly. Most people cringe when they hear the word ‘fly’. I’ve been swimming it forever.”
What would you classify as your career highlight thus far?
“Being chosen (UNE) Athlete of the Month (for November) was cool. My dad sent out the Web site link all over campus (at Monrovia HS).
What do you have in your I-Pod right now?
"Ooh, lots of stuff. My brother and I have very eclectic music tastes. Lots of AC/DC, though."