The Freshmen Experience: Lexa Swekosky

Women’s Soccer Team

Major:

Hometown:

Haymarket, Va.

Where are you from and what brought you to Marymount?

I’m from the DMV, specifically Haymarket, Va., about an hour from campus. My older brother came to Marymount first and had a positive experience, so it was on my radar from the beginning. I liked the small university environment and was excited that Marymount had a great Elementary Education program. Originally, I was committed to Virginia Military Institute, but when I got recruited for the Marymount Women’s Soccer team, I knew that would be a better fit for me. So, I decided on Marymount and have had a positive experience so far.

How was the transition from high school to a college setting?

I think the transition is always hard to some degree. But when I started fall semester, soccer was in season and I was able to jump right into that. Immediately, I had my coaches and 30 teammates to lean on to help me feel more comfortable as I adjusted to college life. That made a difference for me and it allowed me to feel accepted. Also, the small campus setting really helped me a lot. I am able to seek out personal attention and help from my professors if I’m struggling with a class or need extra support. And everyone here is so nice! I feel like I know everyone on campus, which makes it feel much more like home.

What have you been involved with on campus?

Most of this first year has been dedicated to soccer, but I’ve also been involved in helping get a chapter of Morgan’s Message up and running at the University. Morgan’s Message is an amazing organization that encourages student-athletes to talk about mental health and gets them connected to resources. I’m the president of our chapter and we’ve already had some great events, including one co-sponsored by the Washington Capitals. I’m excited to get students more involved next year and see all the ways this message can impact campus.

What is your favorite thing about Marymount?

I love the campus community! There’s such an incredible variety of people here—a lot are from Northern Virginia, but there are so many people from across the country and the world. I’ve loved getting to interact with all different kinds of people and learn more about their cultures and experiences. I also love that at Marymount, you’re not just a number. I have friends at other schools who are sitting in 300-person lecture halls who don’t know a single other student in the class. Meanwhile, I know everyone in my 30-person classes. It makes a big difference to feel like you are seen and heard, rather than just one more person in the crowd.