The Anbar Legacy Continues

Claire Ripperger
PrideTime Editor

Isabel Anber (‘19) always knew she wanted to swim for as long as possible when she joined the New Canaan YMCA swim team at the age of six. When she verbally committed to swim at James Madison University on September 17th, 2018, her dream was coming true.    

“My mom is the youngest of 5 sisters and they all swam in college. Places like Columbia to Yale, and I wanted to be just like them.” Anbar explained.

James Madison University wasn’t her only option however. “I knew I wanted to be down south so I started there and I looked at big SEC schools and ACC schools like UNC, UMiami, Arkansas, and some Big 10 schools like Michigan State, and Ohio State.”

Anbar decided on James Madison University knowing she would be able to compete at more meets and contribute the most. However, her journey to a Division I college wasn't an easy one.

“The hardest part is definitely the mental aspect. One of my old coaches would tell me I wasn't good enough, which was really damaging and through the years I felt like I had to win.” On top of the mental aspect, Anbar has encountered injuries delaying her from the sport she loves most.

“When I was 12 I stressed fractured my growth plates and was out of the water for 3 months and now I have a torn labrum in my left shoulder which limits the things I can swim.” Despite these setbacks, Anbar has been able to push through and will carry on the swimming legacy in the years to come.