Senior captain Fishman leads men's swimming with quiet confidence

At six feet, 10 inches tall, Alan Fishman cuts an imposing figure. But ask men's swimming head coach C. Rob Orr to describe his senior captain, and Orr reveals that Fishman doesn't exactly fit the stereotype of a hulking Goliath.

"He's easily approachable," Orr said, "somewhat of a gentle giant."

Talk to Fishman, and you quickly understand what his coach means and why he is a natural team leader. Thanks to his comfortable blend of thoughtfulness, poise and respect, the Tigers voted to make him their captain this winter.

Fishman's 16-yearlong swimming career began at the age of six. Swimming was one of the many sports Fishman competed in, but it quickly emerged as his strength. By the time he was eight, he had begun to swim year-round at the public municipal pool. Eventually, his training took him to one-on-one 4:30 a.m. practice sessions with his coach.

His decision to come to Princeton four years ago was largely due to the Tigers' head coach, Orr.

"He was the most laidback of all the recruiting coaches," Fishman said. "He has the unique ability to motivate you, and everyone who swims for him understands this. He gives you the tools and the opportunities you need to swim fast."

Fishman has grown a great deal during his time at Princeton, and, in doing so, has been a tremendous example for the younger swimmers.

"He has progressed each year and is really falling in line," Orr said. "He came in a good swimmer and is ending up a clearly better one. It's a great example for our younger guys. You can always develop and become a big contributor."

Fishman's transition to the Princeton team-oriented swim program from his individual training sessions has been an especially rewarding experience. His greatest strength, it seems, lies in his devotion to the team. What was once a largely individual sport for him has become entirely team-oriented.

"After 16 years, you stop swimming for yourself and start swimming for your teammates and coaches," Fishman said.

His devotion to the team is easy to see. When asked about his most notable achievements as a Princeton swimmer, he notes two: his fourth-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke at Eastern Championships his junior year, and his relay team's second-place finish at the same competition. Fishman clearly places more weight on the relay.

"The individual finish isn't as important to me as the team and how we do as a whole," Fishman said.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

Fishman believes his defining moment came in his sophomore year, during the annual Harvard-Yale-Princeton meet. A member of 200-freestyle relay, the meet's first event, Fishman swam the second leg. The Tiger relay team was defending an unbeaten streak at DeNunzio Pool, and they felt pressure from the perennially strong Harvard squad. The Princeton team ended up winning — by one-hundredth of a second.

"It was perfect," Fishman said.

This team-oriented attitude has won Fishman the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

"Alan is very respected by everyone in the program," Orr said. "It's a large team, and he connects well with everyone on it."

When asked about his role models over the years, Fishman notes that the one thing they have in common is dependability and consistency. These are the qualities that Fishman has come to display at every meet; it seems that Fishman has developed into the very type of leader he seeks to emulate.

"I strive to be consistent in my swims," Fishman said. "I need to know that I can get the crucial seconds and points."

The team dynamic Fishman has forged this year is unique: totally non-hierarchical. This year's group is a team of equals.

"We've tried to foster a very close, very open team, and I think we've succeeded. This is definitely a transformation since my freshman year," Fishman said.

Fishman has a number of lofty goals for his group of Tigers this year, including an undefeated regular season, something he hasn't seen yet in his years at Princeton.

"We definitely have the talent," Fishman said. "We need to work on the ability to get in and get the job done."

Fishman is extremely appreciative of his time here at Princeton.

"I've been afforded a great opportunity," he said. "Being here has definitely changed my life for the better."