Julia Daley 

Hometown: Langhorne, PA 

High School: Neshaminy High School 

Major: Nursing 

Year: 3 (Junior) 

Sport(s): Women's Swim Team 

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona? 

My mom is a Penn State Alumni, so Penn State has always been my dream school. When I was accepted to Penn State Altoona, I was excited about being close to University Park for football games while also having the opportunity to continue my love for competitive swimming. The smaller class sizes and sense of community were major factors in my decision. I've been able to build strong connections with my professors and classmates.  

How did you get your start in your sport? 

I started swim lessons when I was 3 years old. My cousins were on a club swim team, so at the age of 6 I joined and started competing. Ever since, swimming has become a constant in my life.  

What are some of your favorite memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far? 

The Penn State Altoona Swim Team has become a second family to me. My favorite part about being a student-athlete is the lifelong friendships I've made. One of my favorite memories was traveling to Florida with the team during my freshman year. This trip created so many inside jokes and shared experiences. Although swimming is a long season, from September through February, and we see each other every day, we continue to find ways to stay connected even in the offseason.  

Do you have any mentors or role models at Penn State Altoona? If so, how have they helped you improve as a person? 

Some of my biggest role models have been within the swim team. Our former coach, Brad, helped me to become a better swimmer and a better person. He always went out of his way to support us. I also looked up to two nursing majors on the team who graduated last year. They constantly offered me advice and guidance, especially when it came to balancing nursing coursework with athletics.  

Outside of sports, what do you hope to accomplish during your time at Penn State Altoona? 

I am excited to continue learning from our amazing nursing faculty and gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience. Staying involved on campus is also very important to me. Being a part of ABT (Altoona Benefitting Thon), SNAP (Student Nurses' Association of Pennsylvania), and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) have helped me to grow as a person and strengthen my interpersonal skills. 

What career role would you like to have in the future? How is Penn State Altoona helping you reach that goal? 

I am still exploring different nursing specialties, but I am especially interested in the ICU, Emergency Department, and Pediatrics. My clinical rotations will allow me to gain experience in a variety of units and healthcare settings. After gaining bedside experience, I would also consider continuing my education to become a Nurse Practitioner or CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). 

What advice would you give to a freshman student-athlete? 

You are a student first and an athlete second. Coaches, professors, advisors, and peers are all here to help you succeed. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience.   

Rapid Fire 

-Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team?  Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State 

-Who is your favorite professional athlete?  Saquon Barkley 

-Do you have any pregame rituals?  Bus naps and music. 

-Altoona Pizza (Altoona Pizza is pizza with a thicker crust and is topped with tomato sauce, American cheese, green peppers, and salami): yay or nay?  Not as bad as I expected, everyone should try it at least once. 

-What is your go-to order at Port Sky? Turkey & provolone hoagie. 

-Outside of playing sports, what are your hobbies? I love art (sketching & painting), reading, listening to music, and going to the gym.  

-What would your teammates say you are famous for doing? Smiling (Literally, Coach Brad gave me an award for this my freshman year).