Brooklyn Dreams: Liene Vientiesa's Journey from Latvia to Long Island University Swimming
Crossing the Atlantic is one thing, but for Liene Vientiesa, the real journey began the moment she stepped onto the pool deck in Brooklyn. For the Latvian sprint specialist, trading the quiet lanes of Europe for the high-energy environment of Long Island University (LIU) was more than just a move - it redefined how she experiences her sport.
From Individual Pursuit to Team Power
In Europe, swimming is often viewed as an individual journey. In the NCAA, Liene quickly learned that every stroke she took was for the person in the lane next to her.
"Back home, swimming is more individual. Here, it's a team sport," Liene explains. "I remember my first meet. I was on the starting block and I couldn't even hear the whistle because the cheering was so loud. I've never heard so many people cheer for me, even people who didn't know me yet. It was such a great feeling."
Liene's impact was immediate. As a sophomore, she has become a key piece of the Sharks' roster, specializing in the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 Fly. One of her proudest moments came at the mid-season meet, where she secured a second-place finish in a relay alongside two of her roommates.
Overcoming Challenges: The Support System
Success isn't always a linear path. This past year, Liene faced the daunting challenge of a double injury - first her shoulder, then her knee. In many European clubs, an athlete might feel isolated during recovery, but Liene found the U.S. collegiate support system to be "huge."
"I had to skip practices for a month and a half, but the support here made it so much easier. We have an athletic trainer right by our side 24/7 giving advice and treatment. The coaches were incredibly supportive. It's a professional environment that actually helps you get back on the blocks faster."
Life in the Concrete Jungle
Living in Brooklyn and studying at LIU's urban campus provided quite the contrast to the quiet life in Latvia (pop. 1.8 million) compared to the 8 million people in New York City. Despite the scale, Liene found home by living with other European internationals from Greece and Hungary.
Liene is majoring in Exercise Science and Wellness, a choice driven by her passion for human performance and anatomy.
"The resources here in New York are so much bigger than back home. Learning human performance in English and having access to these facilities is a massive advantage for my future career as a physical therapist or trainer."
When she isn't in the pool or the lab, Liene embraces the New York lifestyle. Her favorite ritual? Taking the Q train across the Manhattan Bridge at night. "Seeing the financial district lit up from the train... that's my favorite place ever," she shares.
Growth Beyond the Pool
The most significant change Liene noticed wasn't her flip-turn speed, but her personality.
"I've become so much more independent. I've learned how to deal with challenges on my own and how far I can actually go out of my comfort zone. I've opened up a lot socially. In Latvia, I never asked for help, but here everyone goes out of their way to help you - you just have to ask."
Advice for the Next Generation
Liene's success has already inspired a wave of other Baltic athletes to follow in her footsteps, and her advice to them is clear:
- Don't be afraid to ask: People in the U.S. want to help you succeed.
- Embrace the "Yards": Transitioning from meters to yards takes time, but eventually, you'll love the fast pace of short-course racing.
- Just do it: "It can be scary, and it will be scary, but it is so worth it. This has been the best decision I've ever made."
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