Q&A: Meeting Mia Nagle

By Evie Vu     1/14/25 10:45pm

Mia Nagle, a junior at Baker College, competes for Rice’s swim team in the 100 and 200 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley. She is double-majoring in business and sport management and minoring in sociology.

Rice Thresher: How did you get into swimming originally?

Mia Nagle: I began competitive swimming immediately after finishing swim lessons. I fell in love with the water while learning how to swim, and I wanted to know how I could stay in the water for as long as possible. I joined my local swim team, and the rest was history. 

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RT: Can you describe one of your earliest swim memories?

MN: My earliest swim memory was my first meet. I wasn’t aware that a swim meet is a competition and that your performance is based on how fast you swim down the pool. When it was my turn to race, I just stayed in the deep end until my coach begged me to make it to the other end of the pool. After the race, I finally learned that swimming is about speed, not just playing in the pool. 

RT: Did swimming always come naturally to you?

MN: Swimming came naturally to me from the start. I knew I wanted to swim in college when I was in elementary school when a college swimmer from Ohio State came to talk to my swim team. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up.

RT:  Why did you choose Rice?

MN: I chose Rice because it offered elite academics for my majors and competitive Division 1 athletics. Houston is a great city with countless opportunities for fun and my career, and I instantly bonded with the team here.

RT: How do you balance your classes with swim?

MN: I balance classes and athletics by having dedicated time to study. I also have spreadsheets and calendars for my assignments and deadlines.

RT: Who has been most supportive of you while chasing your goals? In what ways have they helped you? 

MN: My parents have been the most supportive in helping me chase my goals. They’ve driven me to countless swim meets over the years, cheered me on through good races (and bad ones), and most importantly helped me have the confidence to chase all of my dreams.

RT: What is your favorite memory from being on the swim team at Rice?

MN: My favorite memory is hiking the Grand Canyon with my teammates on our recent training trip in Arizona.

RT: What are your goals for this season?

MN: I want to compete at our conference championship in February and bring home Rice Swimming’s first American Athletic Conference Team Championship.

RT: When you’re not swimming, how do you spend your time?

MN: When I’m not swimming, I’m watching Netflix, trying new Houston restaurants and making coffee or baking.

RT: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

MN: My favorite condiment is ranch. 

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