Baruch College women's swimming senior Yee Chung Phang was named the CUNYAC/Hospital for Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for November 2018.
Phang has gotten off to a hot start in the pool this year. A three-time CUNYAC Swimmer of the Week thus far in 2018-19, Phang has swam the league's best times in the 100- (1:11.57) and 200-yard breaststroke (2:33.87), and the 200- (2:17.35) and 400-yard individual medley (4:55.89).
Phang is no stranger to winning the CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month honor. She earned the nod last February, after her Most Valuable Performer effort at the CUNYAC Championships.
"Since the last time I won this award, I've gained much more perspective on the outlook of my future and the career path I'd like to pursue," Phang stated. "The past year has granted me plenty of opportunities to speak with influential individuals in both athletics and marketing, and in the process, I have learned much more about myself. Receiving this award reaffirms my belief in the importance of dedication and resilience."
Phang has had quite a successful tenure at Baruch, both in the pool and in the classroom. She owns a 3.84 grade-point average as a Marketing Management major, and is a three-time CUNYAC All-Star. Phang was also named the CUNYAC Preseason Swimmer of the Year this season.
"The past four years at Baruch have been a time of growth and memories made," Phang said. "I am grateful for all of the people I have met and the opportunities I have been awarded here. Representing the Bearcats has been a fulfilling experience in both my academic and athletic experiences."
Phang then commented: "My time in collegiate athletics has widened my knowledge of sports and the training involved. I have had to educate myself on putting in work, both in and out of the pool. Most importantly, the ability to compete in college has taught me the importance of teamwork and how significant your teammates can become in your life. I wouldn't be where I am today without any of my teammates I have had the pleasure to swim with."
When asked about why she chose Marketing Management as her major, Phang replied: "I chose it because it offers me the privilege to integrate both my creative nature and professionalism in the business segment. I specifically chose marketing management because I'd like to develop skills in various areas of marketing and eventually become distinguished enough to see through projects and accounts."
Despite all of her responsibilities, Phang manages to put the same amount of work ethic, dedication and focus into everything she does to create that consistent balance.
"In order to balance my athletic and academic life, I stay extremely organized and time conscious," stated Phang. "From planning my schoolwork weeks in advance to staying on top of my sleep schedule and setting time aside to mobilize and stretch, it all plays a factor in helping me maintain a routine with my responsibilities."
Phang has been swimming competitively since she was eight years old and her love for it has never wavered.
"This sport has become my entire life and I grew up devoting a majority of my time to it," said Phang. "Competing in swim meets are the most thrilling and exciting moments for me. It gives me a brief moment to showcase all of the work I have put in and prove to myself that there is value in dedication and discipline. Despite having competed for so many years, I still find myself learning something new about myself and the sport after every meet."