Mackey making a name for herself

Nicole Mackey , Swimmer University of HawaiiFormer Newport Harbor High swimming standout, a teammate of decorated Peirsol, emerging from the shadows in her career.As a member of the Newport Harbor High girls’ swim team, Nicole Mackey was often overshadowed by teammate Hayley Peirsol.

The two were anchors on many successful Sailor swim teams. Between their freshman and senior years, the duo was members of teams that never finished lower than fourth -- winning the championship in 2002 -- in the CIF Southern Section finals.

As a Sailor swimmer, Mackey rewrote school record books in the 100-yard backstroke, 200 and 500 freestyle and 200 individual medley.

It always seemed Peirsol would attract slightly more attention, being the brother of Olympic silver medalist a big reason.

Now at the University of Hawaii, Mackey has stepped out of the shadows and is making a legacy of her own. The junior Rainbow Wahine has made a name for herself in the college ranks of swimming.

As a sophomore, she qualified for the NCAA championships and was named Western Athletic Conference swimmer of the year.

She set school records for 100 back (53.68), 200 back (1:58:39)and 400 IM (4:12.94) at the WAC Championships.

This season has been no different for Mackey. On Dec. 5, she broke her school record in the 200 back (1:56.79).

As much as she enjoys the individual accolades, Mackey savors the team success the No. 19 Rainbow Wahine achieves.

“It has been awesome. I love it,” Mackey said about the college experience.

She said the main difference at the college level is the family atmosphere.

“On the college level, we all live together or nearby, and you’re always practicing together,” Mackey said. “In high school, you spent a lot more time with your club team than your high school team.”

During her days in Newport Beach, Mackey swam for both club superpowers -- the Irvine Aquazots and the Irvine Novaquatics. She made the switch her junior year of high school and said it “renewed her love for the sport.”

She credits both coaches Dave Salo from Nova and Brian Pajer from the Aquazots, for molding her for success.

“They really brought me to the elite level as a swimmer,” she said.

One key trait Mackey learned at Newport was punctuality. An avid surfer, the former Sailor said it has helped keep her focused when the waves are beckoning.

“Living here, it’s real easy to get distracted,” Mackey said.

Mackey is on pace to graduate with a sociology degree in the spring of 2007. After college, she plans to go to Australia to train with her college coach, Chris Mooney, for the 2008 Olympics.

Mackey said she is determined to make another run at the Olympic trials. 20051219irq4aancCOURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII(LA)Nicole Mackey 20051219irq49onc(LA)Former Sailor swimming standout Nicole Mackey has excelled in her collegiate career.