The University of Mary Washington Athletic Department has launched a new student-athlete spotlight, "Inside the Nest." Each month, we will be celebrating student-athletes from different communities within our department. The focus for May is the Class of 2020.  

Name: Austin Farrar

Sport: Men's Swimming

Hometown: Mechanicsville, VA

Major: Mathematics/Elementary Education

Favorite Class:

EDUC 311 – Lit & Arts in the Elementary Classroom

Favorite Professor:

Dr. Melissa Wells

Favorite part about being a UMW student-athlete:

My favorite part about being a UMW student-athlete is being able to compete at the collegiate level while still maintaining a high focus on academics. UMW athletics emphasizes on the fact that we are students first. My coaches and teammates constantly push me to be better in the pool and in the classroom. I think that this emphasis on being a student first has helped me reach a higher potential in my academics than many other schools in the NCAA.

Favorite thing to do in Fredericksburg:

I love going downtown with my roommates and friends when the weather is nice. It is always fun to check out the local shops  and restaurants that Fredericksburg has to offer, shop local! Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming!

Fun fact about me:

I'm really good at learning TikTok dances.

Favorite UMW memory:

My favorite UMW memory is participating in Devil-Goat Day at the end of each year. I love seeing many UMW students come out to compete for their respective teams on one of the nicest days of the spring semester. It has always been a good de-stressor going into Finals! Go Goats!

What has playing at UMW meant to you:

Swimming has been a huge part of my life for over ten years. Swimming is more than just a sport; it is a lifestyle.  It tested me day in and day out, pushing me beyond my limits. It taught me what it means to be dedicated, organized, and mentally tough. I think it's safe to say that I would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for this sport.

Post-graduate plans:

Since I am in the Education Program, I will be staying one more year to get my Master's in Elementary Education. After that, I plan to go back home and start teaching in the area or in a surrounding county.

I would like to thank:

I want to thank my family, friends, and coaches for all that they have done for me over the last four years here at UMW. They've helped mold me into the young man I am today, and I do not think I would be where I am without them. Here's to the end of an era and the beginning of something new!