We continue our "Where Are They Now" series with Regals swimming alumna, Cortney Jordan. At Cal Lutheran, Jordan impressed in the pool and in the classroom. The dual threat was a CLU Scholar-Athlete all four years and capped off her carrer with the CLU Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. She continued her career in the pool and is a three-time paralympian and 12-time medalist. She competed in the Beijing (2008), London (2012) and Rio Paralympic Games (2016), earning one gold, eight silver and three bronze. You can find her USA Paralymnpic bio here. Now, Jordan is a fifth grade teacher at Bollman Bridge Elementary School. 

 

I went to Cal Lutheran from 2009 to 2013. When I was looking at colleges, I wanted a smaller college with a strong education program. I also really wanted to be able to swim on the swim team. In 2008, I went to the 2008 Paralympic Games and won four medals, including a gold in the 50 freestyle. I knew that I wanted a supportive swim team to help me prepare for the 2012 Paralympic Games while earning my degree. I visited Cal Lutheran through the Presidential Scholarship weekend and absolutely loved it. Everyone was welcoming and encouraging. It was an easy choice for me. 

 

While at Cal Lutheran, what was your experience like? 

I loved attending Cal Lutheran. I made some incredible friendships and loved competing on the swim team. I remember being busy because I was also student-director of the writing center, but I would not change anything about my experience. It was awesome to be so involved and be a part of such a wonderful community. 

How was your experience with the team and other athletes? 

The team was amazing and played a huge role in my success at the 2012 Games. Our season ended in February, but my largest competitions would take place in the summer or fall, so I had to stay in shape. Tom Dodd was not allowed to coach me in the off-season because of NCAA rules. However, he worked year-round by providing me with workouts throughout the off-season to ensure I was prepared for each World Championship meet or Games. My teammates would often swim with me to help me stay motivated during practices. And one teammate, Courtney Downing, even coached me prior to the London Paralympic Games. Also, the athletic department set me up with Sarah Mock, another Cal Lutheran student-athlete, for personal training sessions! I was able to stay fit and ready for my competitions. The CLU swim team and community went above and beyond to help me. I met some of my best friends by joining the swim team and I am so thankful for my experience. 

 

  

What is your current job, and how did Cal Lutheran prepare you for that? 

Currently, I am a fifth grade teacher at Bollman Bridge Elementary School. This is my fifth year teaching and my first year in fifth grade. This year I will also be a team leader for my grade! Teaching is time-consuming and you have to be able to multitask. Cal Lutheran prepared me for my job because I had a lot of practice with multitasking! Also, the Liberal Studies program had me working in a classroom by my sophomore year. I was able to get classroom experience early and I worked in several classrooms. This prepared me for my own class because I was involved with several grades and able to see where I fit best. Additionally, watching several different teachers allowed me to refine my practices and techniques. 

How did being a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?

Being a student-athlete taught me the importance of a strong team. The support I received from my teammates pushed me harder and helped me become a better athlete. I looked forward to each practice--it was an opportunity to grow and have fun. As a teacher, one of my main goals is to create a strong team. I want to create an environment where my kids feel accepted and supported because that will allow them to thrive. My kids feel like they can take risks, make mistakes, and be themselves because they have the support of their team. By the end of the year, we are more than a team, we are a family. 

 

What is your favorite part about the job? 

My favorite part about the job is working with my kids. I adore my students and it is remarkable to see how much they grow and learn in one year. It is an honor to be a small part of that. It is what makes me excited to go to work each day. 

What is a typical day at your job? 

I get to work each day around 7:30 to prepare for the day. My kids arrive at 8 and the day begins! Since I teach all subjects, each day includes language arts, math, science, social studies, and health lessons. Although I teach the same subjects, each day is something new when you have 25 kids! It is definitely unpredictable, entertaining, and exhausting! My day ends around 3, but I usually stay later to grade or plan. I am also a coach for Girls on the Run, which is an incredible program to help girls socialize and develop healthy lifestyles. I stay late two days a week to coach for the team. 

Did you know you always wanted to do this, or when did you know what you wanted to do? 

When I was eight years old, I remember writing that I wanted to be a teacher and an Olympic swimmer. This is all I've wanted for as long as I can remember and I truly love what I do. 

 

What does it mean to you to be a Regal? 

It was incredible to earn my degree as a Regal; but when I think of being a Regal, I mainly think of my time as a student-athlete.  When I was looking for colleges, I knew I wanted to be a member of the swim team. At that time, the Paralympics were not as well-known and several colleges did not want me competing on their team, even though I was a decorated Paralympian. Cal Lutheran gave me the chance to swim for my college, so I was humbled every time I was able to compete as a Regal. I gained the confidence and skills I needed while I was a Regal. I am forever proud to be one!