Representing the United States on an international level is a goal that many athletes will never reach, but for senior Robert Howard, that dream is coming to fruition.

“As a kid and growing up, I watched Michael Phelps compete in the Olympics and other athletes represent the U.S.,” Howard said. “Since then, it became a big goal of mine to represent the U.S.”

On Oct. 18, Howard received an email that stated he would be representing Team USA at the World University Games in Naples, Italy. He will be part of the 400 freestyle relay in July.

“Competing at an international level and meeting people that compete at a high level will be a cool experience,” Howard said. “I don’t know how it will go, but I know it will be a great experience.”

Before being named to the team, Howard competed at the U.S. National Championships, where he swam career-bests 22.17 seconds in the 50-meter race and 48.67 seconds in the 100-meter race, the latter breaking the school record previously held by NCAA Champion and two-time Olympian Kristian Gkolomeev.

In addition to being selected for the World University Games, Howard was invited to compete at the World Short Course Championships, which he declined to participate in.

“It would have been four weeks of training away from Alabama, which was what really kept me from going,” Howard said. “My coaches told me that we have the opportunity to do something special in February and March, so I did not want to jeopardize it in December.”

For Howard, the accomplishments that he achieved this past summer have only been a small part of his career while at Alabama. As a junior, he helped Alabama’s 200 freestyle relay team win at the SEC Championships. The same relay team finished seventh at the NCAA Championships. Also at the NCAA Championships, Howard placed seventh in the 50 freestyle. Since his freshman season, Howard has been named to nine All-American teams.

“I am trying to get better every day,” Howard said. “I’m not focusing on the results as much and just focusing on the process.”

As Howard’s senior season has begun, he has continued his stretch of success. Against Texas A&M on Oct. 20, he was a part of the winning 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay teams. Along with the relay wins, he individually won the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle. Howard posted the same results against Tennessee on Oct. 26, but with no 200 freestyle relay event, the Crimson Tide won the 400 freestyle relay.

His performances against Texas A&M and Tennessee earned him SEC Swimmer of the Week two weeks in a row. In addition, Howard has been the fastest 50 freestyle swimmer in the country, with a time of 19.65 seconds.

While excelling in the pool, Howard has also succeeded in the classroom. The accounting major has a 4.0 GPA and is a three-time Academic All-American.

“It’s the same attributes that have enabled him to be a great athlete that also help in the classroom,” coach Dennis Pursley said. “Those being discipline, time management skills and focus.”

Even though Howard’s career at Alabama has been successful, Pursley was unsure of Howard’s ability when he first arrived as a freshman.

“He was an underdeveloped swimmer that wasn’t on the radar as far as top recruits in his class,” Pursley said. “We got lucky with a guy that has tremendous amount of talent.”

With the conference schedule beginning, Pursley believes there is more to come from Howard.

“Robert still has physical maturing to grow,” he said. “I think those international opportunities are just now starting to come his way. Aside from any unforeseen injuries, I don’t think we have seen the best of him.”