NYU Student Athlete Kaley McIntyre: Making Waves and Making History

When people think of NYU, they don’t always think about sports. But Kaley never let that bother her. “I chose NYU because of the diverse and amazing experiences it offers,” she says. “You get to meet people from all over and challenge your worldview.” While living in the Big Apple felt overwhelming at first, joining NYU’s swimming and diving team helped. “That gave me an instant community that made this big city feel a little bit smaller and more manageable,” the student athlete explains. Soon she felt right at home. “I really love where I grew up, but I knew if I stayed there my whole life, I would be missing out on so much. Coming to New York City was a big change, but it has helped me grow so much as a person.”

“I don’t remember a time when swimming wasn’t part of my life,” Kaley reflects. In fact, she began competitive swimming when she was just four years old. Today, she practices six days a week for around 20 hours. And she credits her team with making every hour fly by. “Swimming can be a very individual sport,” she explains. “But to perform well and win a meet, you need everyone. Getting to see my team’s hard work pay off and have us bring home a big NCAA trophy has been my favorite memory so far. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish over the next two years.”

Kaley’s appreciation for other people extends beyond the pool, fueling her love of her major–History. “I like that everyone has a story, and when learning history, you get to learn the stories of people’s lives,” she says. And living in a place rich with history, such as New York City, her interest has only deepened. “While being in New York, I’ve learned that everyone has a story. Many people have a story of how they got here. And then you have those who grew up here, and you have tourists, and you have those who want to stay. Everyone has a story that is interesting and is a part of history.”