FAIRFAX, Va. - This Out of the Pool features junior Deanna Gulick, also known as Mama D or Deondra, a native of Richmond, Va. where she attended Maggie Walker Governor School. Gulick participates in the 200 Backstroke and the 200 IM for the Patriots.

GoMason.com: Why did you choose George Mason University?

Gulick: It has a great art program and its location next to D.C. provides me a lot of opportunities not only for jobs and internships, but to visit museums. 

GoMason.com: How did you get into swimming?

Gulick: I swam summer league like every other kid and before I knew it I was swimming more and more throughout the year and suddenly boom! I joined a club team and the rest is history.

GoMason.com: Did you always know you wanted to swim in college?

Gulick: I always thought it would be cool, but I'd been told I wasn't fast enough.  Then I really wanted to swim in college. 

GoMason.com: What is your favorite swimming event, and why?

Gulick: 200 Backstroke because I just find it to be a fun race.

GoMason.com: Do you have any pre-meet rituals that you have to do before you swim?

Gulick: I have to have a jam sesh before I swim.

GoMason.com: What are your goals for this season?

Gulick: To get my national cut in the 200 back.

GoMason.com: What is your favorite practice workout?

Gulick: The Roxanne set.  You play the song Roxanne by the Police and every time they sing the name Roxanne, you have to sprint a 25 without breathing. 

GoMason.com: What was your favorite swimming moment from the 2012 London Olympics?

Gulick: Probably Katie Ledecky won the 800 Free.  It was just an awesome swim!

GoMason.com: What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Gulick: When people reorganize my stuff.

GoMason.com: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

Gulick: London or Athens.

GoMason.com: What is something that most people don't know about you?

Gulick: I can play the violin.

Deanna Gulick's Favorites:

Color:  Green

Ice-cream flavor:  Blue Bubblegum

Quote:  Ain't nobody got time fo dat

Academic Class:  Non-Traditional Approaches to Drawing

TV Shows: Criminal Minds and Game of Thrones

Movie: The Hunt for Red October

Food: Pasta or anything with chocolate!

Books: Harry Potter and Game of Thrones