Courtesy of Ashley McManus
Liza Baykova (Moscow, Russia) is one of the most decorated members of the UNH swimming and diving team in the history of the program.
She just concluded an outstanding four-year career, that included such amazing accomplishments as winning 11 America East individual championships, being named the Swimmer of the Meet at the ECAC Championships twice, setting numerous America East and school records, and most recently shining on the national stage by winning two championships at the CSCAA National Invitational.
Photo courtesy Jim Wrobel
Her journey from Moscow, to Los Angeles, to Durham has led her to be the student-athlete and person she is today.
Head coach Josh Willman saw how important her impact was on the program.
“Liza is an incredibly kind and thoughtful person with amazing drive and dedication,” said Willman. “She has been such a positive inspiration on our team showing the success that putting forth your best effort can bring. Along with our other international student-athletes, Liza has shared her culture and helped us all think a little more globally building great friendships along the way.”
Baykova started swimming when she was six years old in her home of Moscow, Russia. Growing up, Baykova competed in recreational and competitive swimming and did not always think swimming in the United States was an option.
When she was in 10th grade, Baykova attended a school in Los Angeles for a month. She spent her time learning the English language and exploring American culture.
“Since I went to Los Angeles before I started looking at colleges, I got an image of what it would be like to go to school in the United States.”
After this experience she was determined to attend college in the United States.
“I started looking at Division I and II schools, and then all of a sudden I realized I have a chance to be a swimmer at the Division I level,” said Baykova. “I was looking at schools and getting in touch with coaches, and UNH was my top choice.”
While she had offers and other universities were interested in her, Baykova picked UNH because of the size of the school, the coaches, the team and another factor: the Durham climate reminds her of home.
“Durham is a very cozy and homelike place for me,” said Baykova. “I can’t imagine myself at any other school other than UNH. It is the perfect size and has a great atmosphere. I like to study in the Watkins Center for Student-Athlete Excellence. And, obviously a coffee addict would never miss out on spending time in Breaking New Grounds downtown.”
Baykova’s mother has been her biggest influence in her life, from encouraging her to attend UNH to being her biggest supporter and fan. Unable to watch her swim in person, she followed her meets through UNHWildcat.com live streams and social media.
“My biggest role model is my mom,” said Baykova. “My mom is the person I look up to and trying to imagine what she goes through having my twin brother and I gone and so far away with the time difference. She deals with it all so well and is so strong.”
Baykova, an 11-time America East individual champion, excelled at the competition because of her hard work.
Photo courtesy Jim Wrobel
“It’s over a year long process,” said Baykova. “You start in the summer, it’s definitely challenging and there are many sections such as working on endurance, strength and then your specialty. It’s mentally and physically tough but that’s what I have to do.”
Entering the 2018 America East Championship, Baykova had won many individual accolades but winning the team championship was something she had been striving for over her four years. With a total team effort, the Wildcats won the America East championship for the seventh time in program history.
“It is hard to describe what was going through our minds when we realized we won,” said Baykova. “We got lost in the moment and everyone was screaming and jumping. I have never seen people so excited, happy and proud of each other.”
Since her time at UNH is close to an end, Baykova is preparing for her next step on her journey.
“I’m going home first where I hope to get an English degree, and then apply to a coaching and athletic training school in Russia, since being an athlete for so long I plan to have something to do with that field after college.”
As to what Baykova will miss most as she leaves Durham in May, it will be the family like atmosphere of her team.
“I’m going to miss everything, my teammates, the atmosphere of always being together and cheering for each other and having a family,” said Baykova. “I have never had a better coaching staff than at UNH, they trust in me and they make everything a family when my family is so far away.”
Over her four years at UNH, Baykova has earned numerous accolades and has made many memories that will last a lifetime. As she graduates in May, she leaves behind a lasting legacy for current and future Wildcats to aspire to.
Baykova’s Accomplishments:
2-Time CSCAA National Invitational Champion
6-Time ECAC Individual Champion
11-Time America East Individual Champion
8-Time America East Relay Champion
America East and School Record Holder in 50 free, 100 free and 200 free
CSCAA National Invitational and School Record Holder in 100 breast
Swasey Pool Record Holder in 100 free
ECAC Swimmer of the Meet (2015 & 2018)
America East Most Outstanding Swimmer (2018)
Dave Alexander Coaches’ Award (2018)
America East Rookie of the Year (2015)
UNH Team MVP (2016, 2017)
UNH Rookie of the Year (2015)
Photo courtesy Jim Wrobel
