University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
I Play For: Alvin Jiang
October 11, 2018 | Swimming & Diving
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Following the end of each season, the University of North Carolina swimming and diving programs host an annual awards reception. Student-athletes with exceptional performances in the pool, in the classroom and in the community are recognized for their efforts to make Carolina even better than the day before.
Though many first year college students are able to find enough time for their studies and community service, few claim as much athletic success during that introductory season. But now sophomore Alvin Jiang broke that barrier during his freshman campaign, so much so he was named the 2017-18 Most Valuable Men's Swimmer.
The Colleyville, Texas native claimed 14 first-place finishes across two individual events and two relays over the course of the season. At the ACC Championships, he swam personal best times of 46.33 in the 100-yard backstroke and 46.59 in the 100-yard butterfly for fifth- and 18th-place accolades. He was also a member of four men's relays, helping them finish as high as sixth in the 200-yard medley. In four regular season meets, Jiang claimed both the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke titles.
With a new season underway, Jiang is already back to business. Jiang racked up three first-place finishes in the season opener against East Carolina, including wins in both the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke. He also helped the 400-yard freestyle relay notch the top time of the night and he led off the second-place-finishing 200-yard medley relay.
Certainly a force to be reckoned with, Alvin Jiang is one Tar Heel who is ready to take his team to new heights.
GET TO KNOW ALVIN
Why did you choose to come to Carolina?
"I wanted to look for a school that would challenge me both academically and athletically. I chose UNC partly because I had this gut feeling but also after visiting here and comparing it to other schools, I thought Carolina would give me the best opportunities to succeed in both of the areas I wanted. Going through the college process, finding what fit best for me, it eventually just came down to UNC."
What led you to pursue a business major?
"I would say it's because my parents and other relatives have found success in their businesses so a big lesson they taught me was that life's about creating opportunities for yourself. As I was growing up, I think I saw the opportunities they created for themselves and felt that path would give me the best chance to succeed."
How did it feel making such an impact for Carolina right off the bat?
"It was definitely surprising and something I am grateful to have accomplished. As the season went on, I was surprised by how well I was performing and how many races I was winning. It was exciting and I could feel I was taking on a bigger role on the team, despite being a younger member. It kind of forced me to grow up a little faster because getting MVP made me a leader in the water. I've had to step up and take some leadership roles I otherwise wouldn't have until maybe junior or senior year. With my success, I also feel more pressure, but there is a lot of support from everybody. That's what's so special about a college team. Everybody rallies around you no matter how young or how old you are. They feed off of your success and they're excited to see everyone succeed."
What do you play for?
"My parents firstly because of how much they've sacrificed to get me to this point. I feel like it's only appropriate that I try my best and give my full effort because that's what they've given me. Also kind of going off of that, I want to reach my full potential and see what I can achieve."
Though many first year college students are able to find enough time for their studies and community service, few claim as much athletic success during that introductory season. But now sophomore Alvin Jiang broke that barrier during his freshman campaign, so much so he was named the 2017-18 Most Valuable Men's Swimmer.
The Colleyville, Texas native claimed 14 first-place finishes across two individual events and two relays over the course of the season. At the ACC Championships, he swam personal best times of 46.33 in the 100-yard backstroke and 46.59 in the 100-yard butterfly for fifth- and 18th-place accolades. He was also a member of four men's relays, helping them finish as high as sixth in the 200-yard medley. In four regular season meets, Jiang claimed both the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke titles.
With a new season underway, Jiang is already back to business. Jiang racked up three first-place finishes in the season opener against East Carolina, including wins in both the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke. He also helped the 400-yard freestyle relay notch the top time of the night and he led off the second-place-finishing 200-yard medley relay.
Certainly a force to be reckoned with, Alvin Jiang is one Tar Heel who is ready to take his team to new heights.
GET TO KNOW ALVIN
Why did you choose to come to Carolina?
"I wanted to look for a school that would challenge me both academically and athletically. I chose UNC partly because I had this gut feeling but also after visiting here and comparing it to other schools, I thought Carolina would give me the best opportunities to succeed in both of the areas I wanted. Going through the college process, finding what fit best for me, it eventually just came down to UNC."
What led you to pursue a business major?
"I would say it's because my parents and other relatives have found success in their businesses so a big lesson they taught me was that life's about creating opportunities for yourself. As I was growing up, I think I saw the opportunities they created for themselves and felt that path would give me the best chance to succeed."
How did it feel making such an impact for Carolina right off the bat?
"It was definitely surprising and something I am grateful to have accomplished. As the season went on, I was surprised by how well I was performing and how many races I was winning. It was exciting and I could feel I was taking on a bigger role on the team, despite being a younger member. It kind of forced me to grow up a little faster because getting MVP made me a leader in the water. I've had to step up and take some leadership roles I otherwise wouldn't have until maybe junior or senior year. With my success, I also feel more pressure, but there is a lot of support from everybody. That's what's so special about a college team. Everybody rallies around you no matter how young or how old you are. They feed off of your success and they're excited to see everyone succeed."
What do you play for?
"My parents firstly because of how much they've sacrificed to get me to this point. I feel like it's only appropriate that I try my best and give my full effort because that's what they've given me. Also kind of going off of that, I want to reach my full potential and see what I can achieve."
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