GoMason.com is going out of the pool to catch up with student-athletes on the swimming & diving team. The Patriots begin competition in the Patriot Invitational this Thursday. This installment features sophomore Steff Maurer. 

GoMason.com:  What influenced your decision to attend George Mason University?

Steff Maurer: My eldest brother suggested to me that I look into George Mason University and being one of my biggest influences in life, I came to visit the school. I loved the relatively small size of the campus but I also loved its location close to D.C and many shopping locations.

GoMason: What has been your favorite part about George Mason?

Maurer: My favorite part about Mason is the friendships that I have made through swimming and even from other sports and classes.

GoMason: What goals have you set for yourself this season?

Maurer: My goal this year would be to get the 200 freestyle team record.

GoMason: Which drill/practice is your favorite to do?

Maurer: Although I like most test set practices that we do, my favorite would be our 10x100s best average.

GoMason: What activities do you enjoy doing out of the pool?

Maurer: Outside of the pool, my favorite things to do are sleep and spend time with my friends. I also love spending time with my three dogs when I'm home.

GoMason: If you could swim in one event in the Olympics, which would it be and why?

Maurer: The 200 freestyle is my favorite event that I would love to swim in the Olympics. I love this event because it's not a full out sprint but you need to know how to pace it just right so when you get to that last 50 you can just kick it into gear and give it all that you have left.

GoMason: If you could not swim, what other sport would you choose to compete in and why?

Maurer: I think I would choose to play field hockey because that is what I played in middle school and loved it but I had to decide on one sport to do in college and I choose swimming.

GoMason: If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Maurer: I think I would choose to eat lasagna although it may not be my favorite food, which is chocolate, because it has more nutritional value.

What is your favorite:

Book - The Hunger Games Saga

Movie - Safe Haven

Class you have taken at Mason - Psychology 100​ because it covered unique and interesting topics.