NEWMAC Student-Athlete Spotlight: Tamara Mukulu '21

South Hadley, Mass. - March 16, 2021 - Mount Holyoke College's Tamara Mukulu (Nairobi, Kenya) was recently featured on the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) website as part of the league's "Student-Athlete Spotlight" initiative.

Class: Senior
Sport: Swimming and Diving
Event: Sprint Freestyle and Butterfly
Major: Sport and Business Studies

What made you choose Mount Holyoke College?

For me, Mount Holyoke wasn't really a choice. Both my older sisters attended MHC and were on the swim and dive team. I had heard a lot of great stories and was excited to finally join them and experience it for myself.

What is your most memorable moment as a NEWMAC student-athlete?

There are so many memorable moments I've experienced as a student-athlete at MHC! However, I always look forward to our annual training trip to Florida. Even though this is one of the hardest parts of the season, it is a lot of fun and a lot of new bonds between teammates are formed - we grow in different aspects to become a more cohesive unit.

Our training trip is also my most memorable moment because the beach is my favorite place to be and I love swimming far out in the ocean with my teammates to see how far we can go.

What do you enjoy most about being a Division III student-athlete?
I love being a DIII athlete because of the sense of community and how I am constantly being challenged to excel both in the pool and the classroom. Everyone wants you to succeed, and I have a great appreciation for my amazing support system that has helped me get through college. I've never had to struggle alone.

Do you have a favorite event or matchup with a fellow NEWMAC institution that you always look forward to every year?
My teammates and I always enjoy our rivalry meet with Smith College. Because it is such a level playing field, every single point counts, which adds to the thrill of it all. However, even though both teams are fierce competitors in the pool, it's hard to believe that we are from different teams because of the great friendships that we have built with each other.

Can you give us a brief description of your major and why you chose it?
I am designing a major in sport and business studies - after being an athlete for so many years, it became impossible to imagine my life without sports. Through different summer opportunities, I got to see a different angle of how sports can be used a vehicle for social change. I wanted to combine my love for both sports and business to see how I could pursue a career and be a part of that change.

Do you have any future plans you want to share?
Still awaiting decisions...fingers crossed!

Are you a part of any groups/clubs on campus you would want to share with us?
I just joined SAAC last year and it has been interesting to see how things operate behind the scenes. I have enjoyed playing a role in bringing different visions into fruition.