Oregon girls swimming star weighed 'pros and cons' while making Division I dream come true

“I’ve always wanted to be able to have new experiences and expand my life,” Block said.

However, that goal was challenged when her college decision came down to Alabama and three Big Ten swimming and diving programs at Ohio State, Indiana and the University of Wisconsin.

“At the beginning it was very hard to manage all of it,” Block said. “I started making a pros and cons list for all the schools because I needed to keep it all straight in my mind.”

Block visited Alabama the weekend of Sept. 21, when she met a Crimson Tide team that was “all so welcoming,” she said.

The junior said she enjoyed how the Tuscaloosa campus had swimming pools and training facilities in close proximity despite it being such a large school.

“The relationship that I had with the coaches just felt right when I was on my visit and all my calls, so I knew that’s where I was supposed to be,” Block said.

Block verbally committed to Alabama on Oct. 15.

Alabama primarily recruited her for freestyle events, which “I enjoy training and racing the most,” Block said.

Block was a Division 1 state qualifier in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events last season, when she captured the bronze and silver medal respectively.

Crimson Tide coaches also view Block as a variety swimmer that excels at different events, giving her a chance to earn a relay spot early in her college career.

“They see the potential for that, maybe not my freshman year but years down the road, as long as I continue working hard, which will happen for sure,” Block said.

Block was the second Oregon swimmer that committed in October, joining her teammate Olivia Sina, who committed to UCLA.

“Me and Olivia have trained together since we were little, so it’s amazing that we both have these opportunities and gone through them together,” Block said. “Even though swimming isn’t one of the most known sports at Oregon, we do perform one of the highest.”

Both will participate in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay Friday at the WIAA state girls swimming and diving championships in Waukesha.

Block looks to capture individual state titles in the 100 freestyle and 200 individual medley.

She hopes to finish her high school career next fall with a successful senior campaign before pursuing a biology degree at Alabama.

“Being a Division I athlete is a lot of pressure and hard work but I’ve worked my entire life and swimming career for this moment,” Block said.