One Last Roar: Laraiba Seibou, Swimming and Diving

One Last Roar: Laraiba Seibou, Swimming and Diving

"One Last Roar" is a series that will recognize the accomplishments of the senior student-athletes at Mount Holyoke College graduating during the 2020-21 academic year. From now until May, read about our senior student-athletes as they reflect on their careers as members of Lyons Nation. Make sure to check out Mount Holyoke College Athletics on TwitterFacebook and Instagram to see photos of their top memories with their teammates over the past four years.

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Senior Laraiba Seibou (Niamey, Niger), a Biochemistry major and swimming and diving student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College, will graduate at the completion of the Spring 2021 semester. 

Seibou has competed in several international competitions during and even before her collegiate career including the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio in the 50 L Free and the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships in China in the 100 S Free and the 50 S Fly. Seibou competed in the 2019 NEWMAC Championships in the 50-yard Free, 100-yard Free, and 100-yard Fly.  

From Head Mount Holyoke Swimming and Diving Coach, Dave Allen:

"Laraiba has been a great teammate over the last three years on the team. She is quiet and unassuming. I remember her handing a request to miss practice form in 2018. She wanted to miss 3 days of practice in a row, starting in two days! I was like "why are you requesting to miss three days in a row".  In the section for the reason, "I am going to the world championships to represent my country". No big deal, just going to represent my country in China! It was an absolute thrill to watch her swim in that event. Still have the video on my phone."

More about Laraiba...

Overall, share a few sentences about your time as a student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College. How has your experience as a student-athlete helped develop you into the person you are today?

Being a student-athlete challenged me both physically and mentally. I am a stronger and better swimmer than I was before, and I learned how to be flexible, adaptable with my plans, and recover when I encounter setbacks. I learned to push my limits and try new things. I never believed I would swim the 100 fly but it became one of my main events. Being on a team has prepared me to work with others. Some of my best moments in college and my best friendships came out of being a student-athlete.

What were some of your favorite memories as a member of your team?

I love competing so I love meets. The energy and the cheering just make you feel like you can do anything. Being surrounded by student-athletes is just the best feeling. My favorite meets were probably Seven Sisters and NEWMACs. I actually lost my voice at NEWMACs from cheering on my team.  

Some other favorite memories include our training trip, team breakfasts after lifting at 6 a.m., and our team holiday party.

What are your plans following graduation?

Right now, I am applying to PREP programs to gain some research experience. But eventually, I would like to get an MD or an MD/Ph.D. and work with infectious diseases. 

Who have been some of your biggest supporters during your time at Mount Holyoke College? This can be anyone (i.e. family, friends, professors, coaches, etc.)

I have received so much support during my time at Mount Holyoke, but my mom is definitely my biggest supporter. She helps me set my goals, whether it be academic or athletic and she keeps track of all my meets. She knows my times and the results as soon as the meet is over sometimes even before I do. And when I'm really stressed about a meet, she sends me videos of my youngest siblings cheering for me.

My family, my friends, and my professors have all been there for me when I needed them. My team has also been a great support. I had a competition I went to with my home team and just knowing that my coaches and some of my teammates were live-streaming my races gave me all the strength I needed.

Last but not least, the athletic trainers have been a big part of my support system. Ellen, Catie, and Micah were always there for me when I was injured and recovering. Even when I wasn't on campus they would check in with me and make sure I was doing okay. 

What is your favorite Mount Holyoke tradition?

My favorite tradition is definitely Convocation; seeing everyone in their class colors, the noise, the glitter, really makes you feel welcomed. But I have to say Pangy Day comes in a close second. 

Any words of advice you have for the future student-athletes of Mount Holyoke College?

One of the hardest things to do as a student-athlete is finding that balance between schoolwork and athletics. Everyone at Mount Holyoke is there to help you, your professors, your coaches, and your friends and teammates. Never be afraid to ask for help. Being a student-athlete opens a whole new dimension of college and gives you an extra support system. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. And most important enjoy being a student-athlete!

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