One of the top freestylers in the ACC, North Carolina's Philip Owen is in the midst of helping lead a Tar Heel team to much success this season, including a current No. 15 ranking in the country. The senior tri-captain from Arizona placed third in the 1650 at last year's ACC Championship, and competed in the NCAAs in the 500 and 1650 free. Owen also holds three Top 10 records in the Tar Heel record books, while keeping his academics at the top as well.
When did you start swimming?
I started swimming competitively when I was nine. I got into it because my older brother Matt swam. I had to go to swim meets to watch him and one day I decided that I wanted to try it too. I swam for the Scottsdale Aquatic Club starting when I was nine and then went to the Arizona Desert Fox Swim Club around 15.
What is the best advice you've received from a coach?
I remember a coach that I had when I was 13 or 14 talking about the importance of a person's character. I remember him saying that given enough talent and hard work, most people could probably make it to the top, but only character could keep them there.
Who is your most influential role model?
My brother Matt. He is an amazing swimmer and he has shown me the potential that I have for the sport.
What is your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
I would have to say qualifying for the NCAA championships in the mile (1650-yard) last year. I had a breakout season and that had been a goal of mine since I was in middle school.
What do you still hope to accomplish?
This year, I hope to be a great leader for the team and also hope to contribute to our winning an ACC championship.
What does it mean to you to be in the North Carolina record books in several events?
That's a great honor for me. I know we have a great history here at Carolina of fast swimming and great diving, and to be up there among the top names is a big honor.
You're also at the top academically. How do you balance academics and athletics?
I've spent so much time practicing every day, so I've been learning time management since I was nine years old. Being able to go to practice and then come home and do my work is just a skill that I've worked on, and I think it shows in my academics.
Can you talk a little about the team's success so far this season?
I think we have really strong senior leadership, but also an incredibly talented and hard-working freshman class that has helped us out tremendously this year.
How is the team preparing for a tough ACC match-up with No. 14 Virginia, a team North Carolina has not defeated since the late 1990s?
I don't think we're too worried about how long it's been since we won. Everyone is focused on wanting to win and we know that this is a great weekend to set us up for the way we want to perform at the ACC Championship. Keeping that in mind, I don't think there's anything extra that we're doing differently. We know that it's a great rivalry, and I think the rivalry between our teams makes both better.
What is your most memorable moment in sports?
I would have to say last year when I was All-ACC in the mile. I swam early in the day, so I had to watch and see the times that my competitors put up. When I saw at the end that I placed third, it blew me away. To be able to do that from the earlier heat made it more exciting for me.
Why did you choose North Carolina?
When I came here on my recruiting trip, I knew before I left that this was where I wanted to go. I'm not really sure what exactly it was - it wasn't just one thing - but it felt like family here to me.
Do you have any plans yet for after graduation?
In the immediate future, I'm hoping to join the Peace Corps.
Philip Owen and the No. 15 Tar Heels return to the pool on Sunday (1/20) when they host No. 14 Virginia in a key ACC battle.
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