Elizabeth C. "Betsy" Webb '08

When she arrived at Stanford University in the fall of 2008, Webb proved that she was just getting started. At Stanford, Webb was a 21-time All-American, 5-time PAC-10 Champion, 3-time NCAA Champion, an American record holder for the 400m freestyle relay and Stanford record holder for the 100m backstroke, 200m/400m freestyle relay and 400m medley relay. Before she returns to Loyola for the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony in October, we caught up with Webb, who reflected on her formative years as a Rambler.

Since graduating Loyola, I attended Stanford University where I majored in human biology with a focus in sports medicine and human performance and participated on the varsity women’s swim team. After Stanford, I returned to Chicago to pursue my doctorate in physical therapy from Northwestern University. Finding my passion in orthopedic physical therapy, I moved back to California to complete my residency and become a board certified specialist. I am currently practicing as a physical therapist in California, living in San Francisco.

 

I try to practice compassion and understanding towards others in both my personal and professional life. My profession gives me the opportunity to work with patients with a variety of injuries and personal backgrounds. I frame my care on the foundation Loyola taught me, which helps me approach each patient as a person rather than a diagnosis. Loyola’s motto acts as a constant reminder to not get too caught up in the daily grind, keeping my personal relationships centered around giving and understanding.

 

Scholastically, Loyola molded and challenged me to expand my vision and approach to learning. I always desired to grow to become the best version of myself, and Loyola fostered and nurtured that mindset. Loyola taught me the benefit of hard work and perseverance both in the classroom and in cocurricular activities. Swimming at Loyola provided me with a community with which to celebrate and grow from failure, together and individually. As an alumna, I hope to continue to build the Loyola family that welcomed me as a student.

 

I was lucky enough to have James M. O’Loughlin ’62 introduce me to the wonderful world of freshman English. As a young and malleable student, his endless search for perfection from his students challenged and encouraged me to continue to strive for excellence (and to never be afraid of a red pen). He taught me to always work hard, the first draft is never complete and hard work, feedback and collaboration are imperative to grow and produce something that makes you proud. These foundational values are building blocks I’ve taken and applied in all aspects of life following Loyola.

 

I would be remiss to discuss influential people from my time at Loyola and not mention Dennis R. Stonequist ’90, my swim coach during my four years. For me, Dennis was so much more than a coach when it came to swimming. He created a team and family out of a group of students participating in a traditionally individual sport. The joy and passion he brought to the deck every day was contagious. Dennis sparked a love for the sport and camaraderie that allowed me to continuously dare to be better, never fear failure and value the importance of a team. I am certain I would not have developed the love for the sport or continued to pursue swimming in college without having crossed paths with Dennis. Along with his passion, his emphasis on team taught me about finding strength beyond yourself to achieve more than you ever thought possible individually.  

 

I can’t wait to return to Loyola with our state team for the Athletic Hall of Fame induction this fall! It’s so exciting to see the new plans for the John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center and think about how many memories will be made and lives will be shaped, just like mine was, through Loyola swimming.