Q&A With Abby Johnston

DURHAM, N.C. - Duke junior diver Abby Johnston recently sat down with GoDuke.com to talk about her role as a leader now that she is an upperclassmen and her long-standing coach, Drew Johansen.

GoDuke.com: What most excites you about the upcoming season?

Abby Johnston: I'm really excited about our team. Our newest freshman, Haley Ishimatsu, is an Olympian, which I think has just been really inspiring to our team. I think that this year there is just a new competitive edge, and we're all just excited to have a good season.

GoDuke.com: What is the most important thing to do during the summer to prepare for the start of preseason?

AJ: I'm not really the best person to ask that question to because I didn't dive at all this summer, but one important thing is working on fitness and getting stronger so that you can jump higher and execute your dives better.

GoDuke.com: What are your expectations for this year's Duke Team?

AJ: I think that we will win more ACC titles and add more NCAA titles to Nick McCrory's title last year. I know that I would love to win a title, Haley's in a great place to win a title, and Nick wants to repeat, if not win more, this year.

GoDuke.com: As one of the team's more experienced swimmers/divers, what type of leader will you be?

AJ: I think that I can lead through example, just by good attitude. I also really feel that I can go the extra mile, which is really good for the team as a whole, and is great for my teammates to see. I also think that I've started to figure out the balance of sports and school and having a social life, so I think in that respect I can help out the freshman and underclassmen.

GoDuke.com: What is the most important trait to have to be a successful at this sport?

AJ: I would say that perseverance is very important. This is really an up and down sport. You can win one day and come in last the next. You just have to be willing to accept the failures and just try your best.

GoDuke.com: What is the best thing about Duke swimming and diving?

AJ: We are all like a family. That really is the best part. You have 60 family members and anyone to go to when you're having a problem, and anyone to cheer you on when you're doing great. It's just nice to have that environment.

GoDuke.com: How would you best describe Coach Johansen?

AJ: He's really like a father to me. I've known him since I was 13. He was my club coach when I was growing up, and then when he moved here to work at Duke, I came with him. I was his first recruit. He too is like a family member; someone who is there for you for every bit of the journey. He's been there through diving, school and just always had an encouraging word, even in my worst times. I think that our dynamic has changed throughout the years. When I was younger he pushed me a lot, but now, especially with being a college athlete, we know what it takes to get there, and he's not going to push us if we're not willing to go there. He will give you as much as you give him.

GoDuke.com: How have you developed as a player since you first arrived at Duke?

AJ: I think that I have changed my attitude a lot about the sport. I used to get really upset about how I competed, and I thought that not doing well was just the end of the world. Drew has helped me mature in realizing that it is just a sport, its part of you but it isn't all of you. I think I have done a lot better relaxing and not putting so much pressure on myself, and I think that has helped me in competition in the long run.

GoDuke.com: What advice would you give the freshmen class heading into the start of preseason?

AJ: It's a long season. I don't think you can even fathom how intense it can be and how draining it can be. But it's really worth it, and I think you will look back on it and be excited about all of the things you got to do and the places it can ultimately get you to.

Players Mentioned

Haley Ishimatsu

Abby Johnston

Nick McCrory

Duke information