Ringing in the New Year: Shelbie Holden

FRESNO, Calif. – While the Fresno State swim and dive team observed its holiday break in the middle of its current season, senior diver Shelbie Holden caught up with GoBulldogs.com to talk about her outlook on the upcoming New Year and reflect on 2016.

Holden discussed everything from the biggest obstacle she overcame in 2016, to what hobby she would like to pick up in 2017.

As Holden moves toward the second half of the season, the team captain has already locked in scores that qualify her for the 2017 NCAA Diving Zones on both the 1-Meter and the 3-Meter, for the third consecutive year.

Q: What is the first thing that comes to you head when you think of 2016?

Holden: The first thing that comes to my head in 2016 would be change. Huge changes in my life have occurred (her sister moving across the country, partaking in Fresno State's nursing program and becoming a team captain). I have grown from all these different experiences over the past year and believe it has made be a better person, student and teammate.

Q: What is the biggest lesson that you've learned in the past year?

Holden: The biggest lesson I have learned is that no matter what, you have to make yourself happy. I've learned that as much as trying to please other people is important, what truly matters is your happiness. So, I've learned that I have to put myself first sometimes.

Q: What is the biggest obstacle that you overcame in 2016?

Holden: The biggest obstacle for me this past year was trying to balance the nursing program as well as diving. I had to learn to adapt and overcome to this busy schedule, which I believe I succeeded at.

Q: How has your position on the swimming and diving team evolved over the last year?

Holden: Over the past year, I have evolved into a leader and captain of our swim and dive team. I've always considered myself a leader of this team, but being elected team captain has definitely molded my role. I try to lead the team along with my other two captains, Esme and Hailee, on and off the pool deck.

Q: What is a bad habit that you want to leave in 2016?

Holden: One of my worst habits is drinking soda. I drink diet soda every day and I really need to quit! It's something about the bubbles and caffeine that I love. I would like to minimize the amount of soda I drink going into 2017.

Q: What are your goals for your final season as a Bulldog?

Holden: My goal is to final on every event at conference to score as many points as possible for my team. I have qualified for the NCAA Zone qualifying meet, so my ultimate goal would be to end my season by making finals in all my events at Zones and then qualify for the NCAA Championship meet in Indianapolis.

Q: What is something that you'd like to spend more time doing in 2017?

Holden: I would like to spend more time with family. I haven't had a lot of time in my busy schedule to see and visit my family. So, I would love to see them more and make time for them more this upcoming year.

Q: What is a new hobby you'd like to pick up in the New Year?

Holden: With my retirement from diving coming up in March, I would really love to start running half marathons and eventually marathons. I have always enjoyed running, but I would like to start doing it more consistently.

Q: What is a destination that you would like to visit in 2017?

Holden: I would love to visit Tahiti! It is absolutely beautiful there.

Q: What do you want to work harder at in 2017?

Holden: In 2017, I want to get a pediatric nurse externship at Valley Children's Hospital. In order to achieve that I need to work harder in mastering my skills and focusing on pediatric nursing while continuing my education in the nursing program.

Q: What is your best memory of being a Bulldog?

Holden: The best memory I have of being a Bulldog is the winter training trip of the 2015-2016 season. We had so much fun while working hard in San Diego. I was lucky enough to spend this time with the best teammates anyone could ever ask for. These girls are my family and I was truly grateful to spend that week with them and then end the week with a win against Pepperdine, USD and LMU.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.

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Ringing in the New Year: Shelbie Holden

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