Alec Reitzel

Alec Reitzel swam at Lenoir-Rhyne University, graduated in 2013, and stayed on as graduate assistant and received his masters in 2015.  He talks about growing up in a small, conservative town, having a religious background, and struggling with his sexuality.  He describes the sport of swimming and how he got involved, playing tennis in high school, getting burnt out and deciding not to swim in college.  Then, after the first semester of freshman year, he transferred to Lenoir-Rhyne University and became the first male signee for the swim team.  Alec talks about making amends with his coach, his college career, and how a career ending injury led him to really confront his sexuality.  He then talks about his coming out process, and how a European work-trip led him to be confident with who he is.  Alec finishes the episode by talking about his fiancé, Michael, and their sweet proposal stories!