Reagan Reetz elevates the spirit of Oakland University swimming, electrifying the atmosphere whenever she takes the pool.
Reetz started swimming at the age of five and is part of a family legacy. Both of her parents were swim coaches, and her grandfather was also a swimmer.
“I’ve been surrounded by the water for as long as I can remember,” Reetz said. “My parents said that when I first started swimming, I asked to put on a swimming cap, and I said, ‘I’m going to go swim,’ and I did.”
This early introduction to swimming set the foundation for a lifelong passion, guiding her to continue the sport at the collegiate level. Choosing Oakland was an incredible moment for Reetz, and her decision to attend stemmed from both personal connections and the welcoming environment during her visits.
“We had a family friend that swam for Oakland. I emailed the coaching staff here, and I visited once unofficially, and then I came back and visited again, so when I did that, it was kind of like everything settled into place,” Reetz said.
The community environment that Reetz saw on the swim and dive team was something she also noticed around the campus at Oakland.
“I knew this was where I was supposed to be. I saw the community that the team had, and for me, now that I’ve been here for a couple of years, I found that community in other places as well,” Reetz said.
“I have that community on the swim team, but I also work for undergraduate admissions, and I found community in that team over there. I’ve found people in my classes that I love to be around. I’ve really enjoyed the community that this campus has provided me, and it’s really grown my love for OU.”
Reetz’s experience on the swim team exemplifies the camaraderie that thrives within the program. As she reflects on her time at Oakland so far, it’s evident that their shared purpose makes their team truly special.
“We are all super close. The one thing that unites us is our love of the sport,” Reetz said. “You come to a meet, and you hear ‘OU pride’ so often. We have a super strong alumni presence; you see people coming back because they believe in the goal of the team, believe in the work that we put in, and it’s not just something that goes away.”
“With there being so many of us, I find that it’s really a great opportunity to meet so many unique people, that OU pride is something that unites every single one of us. It’s also really nice to come in and have that group of people. You’re in it together. As soon as you walk through those doors in your first year, you are welcomed, and you’re a valuable part of the team.”
As Reetz continues to shine as a valuable part of the team, representing as a distance swimmer — her focus for the rest of the season is to step into that leadership role and provide an optimistic voice that uplifts her teammates.
Outside of swimming for Oakland, she offers swim lessons in her hometown of Gahanna, Ohio. She finds joy in sharing her love for the water.
“Swimming has given me so much, so I want to give back to those who maybe want to swim in college or see this as being their thing,” Reetz said.
Reetz’s journey is proof of her commitment and resilience, not only in her growth as an athlete but also in inspiring upcoming swimmers.
“I love the work that I’m able to put into it. The water is your space,” Reetz said.