MIAMI (Nov. 2, 2018) – Next up in our Q&A series with FIU student-athletes is swim and dive's Naomi Ruele. The senior captain talks about owning four C-USA championships, her goals for her final season and her teammates. 
 
A native of Gaborone, Botswana, Ruele is a dominant force in the pool for the Panthers. A two-time C-USA Swimmer of the Year recipient, two-time C-USA Swimmer of the Meet honoree and two-time C-USA Swimmer of the Week winner. She owns multiple conference titles for her outings in the 50 meter free, 100 meter free, 100 backstroke, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay. Ruele also competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro (50 meter free) for her home country of Botswana. 

Ruele took time out of her busy schedule to sit down for five questions with FIUSports.com. 

1. What has it been like being on a team that has won their conference four times?
A: Being on a team that has won conference four times in a row is exciting and oddly humbling as well. I am blessed that I get to be surrounded by a strong group of young ladies who work hard for a common goal. We love working together and the reason we succeed is because we have built a team environment where we can all thrive.
 
2. What is your top goal for your final season?
A: My goal for this final season is to go out with a bang and to really leave a positive impact and footprint on FIU swim and dive.
 
3. What excites you the most on meet day?
A: What excites me the most on meet day is how much we come together and really show that all the work we put into being wonderful swimmers and supporters is what sets us aside.
 
4. Who do you gel with most on the team?
A: Berta Triola. She probably understands me more than I do. We are the exact same person in different bodies and I am so grateful that I get to share my life with her. 
 
5. What was the biggest reason why you came to FIU?
A: I came to FIU because I wanted to pursue my Olympic dream but my selling point was the connection that Coach Nacho and I had. I am a strong believer that if you and your coach cannot establish a viable working relationship then your success will hinder.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will travel to Columbia, MO for the Mizzou Invitational on Nov. 15-17.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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