The Daily Iowan: Do you have any pre-meet superstitions?

Mariel Bruxvoort: I always do the same hairstyle: two little braids on the side of my head and a high pony. I always take two scoops of creatine, which is, like, way more than you are supposed to [take], before I race. I also wear the same pair of socks.

When did you start doing those things?

It definitely started in college. I didn’t do anything like that in high school.

When you think about your first season of competing, what do you remember?

I used to be so much more nervous than I am now. I used to be such a mess that I would do anything to calm myself down.

How did that affect your daily practice routine?

I used to listen to crazy pump-up music all day. Now, I don’t need that. I’ll watch a show or call my mom while I get ready. I’m so much less nervous, so I don’t stimulate myself as much anymore.

Does your warm-up look different?

I warm up way more. Maybe that’s just me getting old. I don’t like to be stressed on time, so I go slow and take my time.

Where did this growth come from?

I’m learning more about what works best for my body. I think the bigger portion is just being more confident about what I need to do and how I need to do it. I am so much more relaxed and so much more experienced. You kind of get nerves of steel after a while.

How would you describe the team dynamic at Iowa?

We are super close. We make an effort to put our phones down at meets and even at the airport. The women’s team has been super intentional about spending time together when we have the opportunity because it does go by so fast.

Are there any big goals you are shooting for this season?

We’re definitely chasing the Big Ten title. I would say that is our big goal.