Rodriguez Lapman Learns Lessons Inside And Out Of Wagner Pool
January 31, 2010 by Greg Lederer
Wagner College (Staten Island, New York) senior swimmer Melanie Rodriguez Lapman faced adversity last winter. She could take a redshirt year away from the pool, after suffering a broken leg, or rehab diligently to return by the end of her junior season.
Rodriguez Lapman, a 2006 Cheshire High School graduate, chose the latter direction and ended up contributing at the Northeast Conference Championship. She swam into the top 10 of the 400-yard individual medley (4:47.95) and 200-yard butterfly (sixth, 2:19.14), as Wagner finished runner-up (535 points) to Central Connecticut State University (552 points).
“It was kind of a physical and mental challenge knowing that I wouldn't swim my best. I got to know myself better,” recalled Rodriguez Lapman. “I became an introvert (following the injury). I didn't speak up much, but they knew what I was feeling.”
Her determination to work back into the lineup was recognized by teammates, who voted her as a senior captain alongside Jessica Hart.
“It's been a great experience. Hart and I have become great teammates,” said Rodriguez Lapman, who has enjoyed watching the team evolve and grow up. “Each year has been different. Throughout these four years, I've learned a lot about myself and what I can do. I couldn't ask for a better four years.”
A lot of memories came back today, as Rodriguez Lapman swims her final home meet against CCSU, at 4 p.m. Not only is it an emotional experience for the senior class, but both rivals are undefeated in the NEC. Wagner has 4-0 mark (5-5 overall) under Head Coach Mark Sowa.
“Right now, I'm going through a lot of feeling. Swimming has been such a big part of my life. I want it (Senior Day) to come and don't want it come,” Rodriguez Lapman reflected.
The size of the crowd or Wagner team doesn't change her focus.
“Between our girls, we make the best of it. Cheering comes within us and that is all we need,” added Rodriguez Lapman. “We have a team of 14 girls and no divers. We are always searching to get points.”
With often smaller numbers than the opposition, her versatility is pivotal. Rodriguez Lapman has clocked top 10 times in nine individual events this season. She leads the team in the 200- (2:00.89), 500- (5:21.47), 800- (9:40), and 1,000-yard (10:56.04) freestyles, along with the 200- (2:16) and 400-yard (4:45.67) individual medleys.
“I enjoy doing anything. That is what keeps me going,” explained Rodriguez Lapman. “If I don't do well in one, I still have other events. I don't let one swim influence the others.”
Since the individual medleys consist of all four strokes, they are the events she feels most comfortable. Rodriguez Lapman made an immediate impact as a freshman, finishing as the NEC runner-up for 400-yard IM. That time (4:34.31) broke the school record, a standard she hopes to lower by the end of her career.
“I honestly had no idea when I swam the race. It was a great feeling when I found out I got the record,” Rodriguez Lapman recalled. “At first, I was disappointed that I couldn't go under 4:30. I'm hard on myself that way. One of the girls I swam against was a senior, so I was relaxed. I ended up touching her out at the wall and it was weird because she wanted that record. Eventually, I accepted that I got that.”
She returned to capture the NEC 200-yard breaststroke title (2:29.17) one year later. Her versatility was rewarded with the team's MVP Award.
“Every year, I've learned small things that I can take in and compile for next year,” stated Rodriguez Lapman. “I've always hung out with the older kids, so I knew what it would take to lead the team.”
Former head coach Sean Raffile took another job before the 2008-09 season. The transition didn't bother Rodriguez Lapman and under Sowa, the Sea Hawks set 11 school records at the 2009 NEC Championship.
“Mark Sowa is a great coach and has really changed Wagner College swimming,” said Rodriguez Lapman. “We just got a new assistant coach (Rebecca Richards). She is from England and has brought a lot of new assets.”
Rodriguez Lapman actually started her swim career in Andalucia, Spain, where she was was born and raised for 11 years. She feels swimming, along with soccer and water polo, are popular sports there.
“I moved originally to Litchfield and then got a scholarship to swim for a national team back in Spain. I didn't like it and ended up moving back to the U.S.,” reflected Rodriguez Lapman.
After spending a year-and-half with Watertown, she found her niche swimming within the CHS and SONOCO programs. SONOCO is a powerhouse club program, based out of Southern Connecticut State University, and competes for championships around the country.
Her all-time favorite race played out at age 12, touching out a girl from Wilton to capture the 200-yard freestyle relay.
“One of the coaches that has really influenced me is Tim Quill,” said Rodriguez Lapman, of the SCSU and SONOCO Head Coach. “I never questioned anything from him. He never gave on me.”
The family atmosphere at CHS creates lifelong friendships. Rodriguez Lapman was one of the largest class (19 athletes) to compete for Head Coach Ed Aston and she remains in touch with friends like Christina Metcalf. Metcalf (Williams College-Williamstown, Mass.) and classmate Francesca Testa (Western Connecticut State University) are also senior captains at their respective programs, while also hosting their Senior Days this afternoon. Read about them in upcoming stories online.
“I know swimming isn't one of the easiest sports to continue. You have to be determined,” explained Rodriguez Lapman, who won 2003 Class L 200- (1:56.15) and 500-yard (5:09.51) freestyles at CHS and earned All-American honors (200-yard medley relay, 1:49.45) as a senior. “I'm very proud of Christina and Francesca. It is great to learn through it (college swimming) and find a way to execute the proper race.”
Rodriguez Lapman hopes to end her collegiate career on a high note. After today's rivalry meet, the Sea Hawks will visit Yale University for the annual championship from Feb. 11-13.
“Once the season is over, I may take three weeks off. But, it is too hard for me to give up swimming like that,” Rodriguez Lapman added. “I may join the girls for spring training.”