IRVINE, Calif. – The CUI sports information department is excited to continue our new "1-on-1" series, where we highlight a different student-athlete of our Eagles family every Thursday.

This week, we caught up with Skyler Hojnacki, who is a senior captain for the CUI men's swimming and diving team.  He was a member of the 2019 Eagles squad that captured the Pacific Collegiate Swim & Dive Conference (PCSC) Championship and is majoring in exercise sport science.

Sports Information: How did you develop your love for swimming and how were you introduced to the sport? 
 
Skyler: I was introduced to swimming from my family. My mother was a professional swimmer, and my dad swam in college. Swimming was always a big part of our family and I was happy to be a part of it. I've always loved the challenge of swimming. I continue to devolve my love for swimming from the ever-changing challenges swimming presents. 
 
Sports Information: Besides swimming, what other sport(s) would you consider to be your favorite & do you have a favorite pro team?  
 
Skyler: Besides swimming, I love to surf and bike. I've always loved hockey and my favorite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
 
Sports Information: Have you added any new hobbies or tried any new things during the pandemic with more time at home? 
 
Skyler: Since the pandemic, I've tried to get creative with exercise. I've been biking, and surfing more. 
 
Sports Information: 2020 has been such a different year - what have you learned about yourself over the past few months?
 
Skyler: Since the pandemic, I've asked myself why I live the way I do. I often get stuck in the motions of swimming and school and have never asked myself why I wake up so early to swim or spend hours working and studying towards a degree. I've learned to look at the bigger picture and now have a better understanding of my true priorities in life.
 
Sports Information: How do you feel Concordia has impacted you as a person?
 
Skyler: Concordia has provided me with experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Professors, teammates and classmates have had a profound impact on my life. I know I will have lifetime friends from my time at Concordia. 
 
Sports Information: How have you grown spiritually since you first came to Concordia?
 
Skyler: Concordia has grown me spiritually by showing me how God is present in all of aspects of life. Various courses have widened my view of God and have deepened my faith. 
 
Sports Information: What is your dream job?
 
Skyler:  My dream job is to be an oncology pharmaceutical representative.
 
Sports Information: Do you have any superstitions when you compete?
 
Skyler: I always clap on the block before I dive in!
 
Sports Information: If you could be any animal, what would you pick and why?
 
Skyler:  If I could be any animal, I would be a corgi because who doesn't love corgis! 
 
Sports Information: Could you share one of your favorite memories at Concordia
 
Skyler: My favorite memory at Concordia was winning the 2019 PCSC conference title! 

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