More than most, third-year Commerce student Carly Novelline is a true team player. The relationships she’s built in UVA Swimming & Diving and her commitment to help advance a mission greater than herself have long driven her and shaped who she is becoming at McIntire.
Novelline started swimming at age eight. Growing up in Chicago, she recalls spending plenty of time in the water during summers at Lake Michigan. When she missed out at making a swim team as a child, her burning interest compelled her to convince her mother that she couldn’t wait until the following season, as she was desperate to try out for another team as soon as possible. The gambit paid off. She made the team and says she’s been hooked ever since.
She’s also always valued the connections with her teammates and the sense of community that the sport and the group dynamic foster. “I fell in love with swimming, and I just loved being at practice—every part of it—the hard work, the people,” she recalls, underscoring her passion for the sport and zeal for sharpening her skills while making strong bonds.
Novelline’s decision to come to UVA was heavily influenced by her desire for a balanced experience, no doubt made more attractive by the University’s exceptional women’s swim program. But ultimately, it was the team atmosphere and camaraderie that sealed the deal. “I based my decision on who I would fit in with best because those would be the people I would be establishing my closest relationships with,” she explains. Even amid the challenges of remote recruiting during COVID-19, Novelline managed to connect with future teammates and get a feel for the team through social media and Zoom calls, ensuring she made the right choice despite having to do so in uncertain times.
Her dedication to her team and relationships extends into her academic life at McIntire, too, where she’s really been excited about the group work and collaborative efforts in her coursework. “I found myself liking a lot of the collaborative aspects of some of the Commerce courses,” Novelline notes, reflecting on her developing interest in marketing and management. No surprise, really: They offer the same sense of teamwork and mutual support that drew her to swimming.
Like many student-athletes, Novelline was challenged by the transition from a leading position in her high school swim team to the collegiate environment. Finding herself surrounded by equally talented swimmers required a shift in mindset. She admits, “I struggled to find where I could give the team value; considering all the established talent our program had, proving my place on the team was a big breakthrough for me.” Leveraging the strength and drive of her teammates, she found her place within the team and learned to excel in her role.
Her resilience and excellence brought her to the U.S. Olympic trials two times. Her initial experience was overwhelming, but it presented her with a learning opportunity the next time around. “I decided to take the pressure off myself,” she says. “I thought, ‘You know what? I will swim how I’m going to swim.’ It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I just wanted to have fun with it.” As many from the UVA Women’s Swim Team were strengthening the U.S. team, Novelline credits her teammates’ outsized successes at the trials with elevating the entire experience: “It was incredible. All of us were in the stands watching and cheering as our friends made the Olympic team.”
Outside of the pool, Novelline cherishes the relationships in her life. She says her easygoing and compassionate nature is a defining trait. As she strives to “foster a good community” around her and value the needs of others, it’s clear those concerns resonate and define her connections with others.
She also has an organized and well-scheduled life. It starts with her swimming regimen, but it influences her aspirations for a professional future. “I always do best with a structured schedule,” she says, envisioning a career that will allow her to maintain a sense of order as she explores new experiences in different cities.
Even amid rigorous academic responsibilities, Novelline has embraced McIntire’s Integrated Core program, appreciating the connections and insights she’s gained from interacting with a diverse group of students. On broadening her experiences and perspectives, she says, “I love the group work and getting to know other people. Being in a block of 50 students that you’re with every single day has allowed me to see into the lives of my classmates who have different passions than me. It’s fun to meet and learn with these new people.”
