When thinking of swimming and diving people will usually associate it as being a team sport, but one girl in particular has been having an eye-popping season that stands out from most.  Mykala Arnold, a true freshmen swimmer from Michigan, has had a spectacular season that has been, as head coach Kellogg put it, “a little unexpected.”

“We knew she was talented, but she’s really starting to be more consistent which I think is more of a product of her work ethic so it’s been really nice to see and I think she has an unbelievable amount of potential and the sky’s the limit for her so we are excited to develop her over 4 years,” Coach Kellogg said when asked about her success this season.

Arnold is from Michigan, “where swimming is really big,” Coach Kellogg said. “She’s just surrounded with a great group that genuinely supports her and pushes her every day.”

This past weekend Georgia Southern took on SCAD and Gardner-Webb.  Georgia Southern was home Friday night and then traveled to SCAD Saturday morning to finish the meet.  On Friday, Mykala had another very special night, setting the school record in the women’s 100 backstroke, with a time of 56.95.

What is it that makes Mykala standout from the rest?

“I started [swimming] when I was little maybe when I was five years old, just swim lessons and summer league, but I didn’t get into it until I was 12 or 13 I was swimming all year round at the club level,” Mykala said.  Her biggest accomplishment as a swimmer has been coming into Georgia Southern and competing at the D1 level.

Arnold will be the first to tell you that she would not be where she is today if it was not for the help of her teammates.  “The team is just like so much support, it’s really hard being away from home to see your family and just all the girls are so supportive.”  “There is a Michigan girl so we talk about home sometimes, so that helps, and my roommates are really helpful.”