Aidan Coté

“I chose Carthage for a couple of reasons. One of the reasons was the direct-entry admissions into the nursing program. Another big reason I chose Carthage was their competitive swim team. I knew from the moment I met Coach Beth DeLaRosby that Carthage was the place for me. Lastly, I wanted to experience a place different from Colorado to grow as a college student and an athlete.”

“Being a Firebird is about being held to a high standard of work ethic, pride in our school, and respect. It is about something bigger than ourselves. Firebirds support each other and lift each other up.”

“My favorite memory from the Carthage swim and dive team was our 2025 conference championship meet. The cheering, positive mindsets, and fast swimming were extremely inspirational. The environment makes the swim meet, and the environment we created was one to remember.”

“I have found the Carthage student-athlete community to be very welcoming. Everyone is friendly and supportive of each other’s sports. Whether it is asking other athletes how their seasons are going or trying to go to other games, matches, and meets.”

“I am very organized, so I spend some time on Sundays planning out my week ahead. I use a whiteboard calendar and a weekly planner to write down my schedule, assignments, and anything else I may have going on. Taking the time to plan out my week makes the week feel less overwhelming. It is all about prioritization. That way, I still have time to hang out with friends and some time for self-care.”

“Carthage staff as a whole supports us as student-athletes. They want us to be well-rounded. I communicate with my coaches and professors about things that conflict, and we work around it. It has never been an issue. My professors and advisor always ask how swimming is going and are excited to hear about it. Coaches also want to know about school and everything going on in academics. They all like to be involved in our lives and support us in all possible ways.”

“Carthage also has a sports psychologist, which has been super helpful for all the athletes. The workshops they host are impactful and a great way to connect with teammates and other Carthage students. Along with that, we have The N.E.S.T., which ensures we are getting enough fuel between practice and classes, and helps us recover better with tools like NormaTec boots, massage guns, and rollers.”

“At Carthage, my biggest accomplishment is getting my white coat for nursing in fall 2024.”

“My favorite athletic facility on campus is the Koenitzer Aquatic Center/HARIBO Pool. Our pool is pretty breathtaking. The big windows on one wall makes it so much fun to swim in the sun or at night as the sun sets. The water is peaceful, and it is my favorite place to swim.”

“I am involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. We meet monthly to discuss things going on in Athletics, and it is a way for the athletes to connect and support each other’s sports. Also, I am involved in the Pinky Swear Club, which helps raise money for kids with cancer. Our biggest event we host is Cancer is Messy in the fall, when we tie-dye shirts to raise funds for families in need.”

“My career goal is to work at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado as a nurse. Being a student-athlete has taught me the value of finding balance in life, the importance of hard work and dedication, and having community. Going into my career after being a student-athlete will help me find my work-life balance.”