Mollee Swift is the starting goalkeeper for the LSU Tigers. Swift exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete as she flies to new heights both on and off the field.
“My dad is in a stem career, and he said it is really important to represent women in STEM especially if I am good at it, talented at it and really enjoy it,” Mollee said.
While in elementary school, Swift’s mother, made Swift do her other course work like History and English, before her Math homework. Swift was so fascinated by the study of mathematics that she would spend hours working on her math homework, including extra problems for her own amusement.
Swift recorded 77 saves during the 2022 season while balancing her academics; making the SEC Honor Roll list in 2021 and 2022.
“It is really just balancing it,” Mollee said. “Recognizing hanging out with my teammates and doing homework together is the easiest way to stay motivated.”
Although she credits her teammates for helping her succeed, her teammates credit her for keeping them centered.
“She is always bringing her A-game, she is always there if you need someone to talk to,” teammate Kelsey Major said. “She is a really good center person on our team who keeps us all focused.”
Continuing with her off-the-field achievements, Swift is the vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In June, she represented LSU at the Joint Student Athlete Leadership Council Meeting.
“Just being able to express my opinions on that level too, and really just valuing student-athletes’ voice,” Mollee said.
LSU Soccer Head Coach Sian Hudson also values Swift for more than her athletic abilities.
“Swift is the complete package,” said Head Coach Sian Hudson. “Unbelievable person, outstanding student and a player who can do it all on the field.”
Swift has made sacrifices, like missing soccer practice, to focus on her academics which she thought was her road to the professional world. Now, as she focuses on earning her masters degree in mathematics, Swift believes she can go onto play professional soccer before honing in on her STEM career.
“It is recognizing your strengths early, and knowing and feeding into those; not letting people tell you otherwise,” Swift said.
Mollee Swift and the LSU Tigers will take on NorthWestern State at home at 4 p.m. Sunday.
