Ally DeSordi came to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with two passions: swimming and teaching. Four years later, the Omaha, Nebraska-native and senior Little Rock Trojans swimmer will graduate from UA Little Rock on Dec. 13 in K–12 Health and Physical Education and carries with her the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped her into the teacher she’s becoming.
Before DeSordi found her path as a future educator, she spent 15 years competing in the pool – and said swimming is one of her greatest teachers.
“Swimming taught me discipline, patience, and how to keep going when things get tough,” she said. “There were early mornings and long practices when I didn’t see results right away, but I never let myself give up. That’s the attitude I want to bring to my students.”
She added that the sport didn’t just make her tougher – it helped her learn how to support and encourage others.
“I learned the importance of teamwork and celebrating small victories,” she said. “As a teacher, I want to create a classroom where students feel supported, motivated, and confident in themselves.”
Teaching, she said, always felt like a calling.
“I come from a family of educators — my mom, my grandparents, even my great-grandparents,” she said. “Each time someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said a teacher.”
She spent time helping in her school’s special education classrooms as a child. However, it was when she toured UA Little Rock and learned more about the education programs offered, that everything clicked. She was then encouraged by advisors to pursue the K–12 Health and Physical Education program, and she immediately felt at home.
“Once I started meeting people in the program and working with kids, I knew I had found where I belonged,” she said.
Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the UA Little Rock School of Education, said she has watched DeSordi thrive both academically and personally.
As graduation approaches, DeSordi is preparing to begin UA Little Rock’s graduate program in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Education and plans to stay in Little Rock to continue growing as an educator.
“Ally has been a model student, she’s committed to excellence and ready to be an exceptional teacher,” Eells said. “She’s connected with the community, excelled in her internship, and plans to continue with us in graduate school. We’re thrilled she’s staying in Little Rock.”
Balancing life as a Division I swimmer, a student-teacher, being a pep band musician, and working at the Aquatics Center in the Donaghey Student Center wasn’t easy.
“There were early mornings, late nights, and long days,” she said. “But I had great friends and people who helped me get through it. It pushed me to grow in new ways. I’ve never been someone who asks for help, but this changed that. I learned it’s okay — and sometimes necessary — to reach out.”
Through it all, she discovered a strength she didn’t know she had, realizing that every moment—good or bad—was shaping the teacher she is becoming and revealing just how resilient she truly is.
One moment from her internship affirmed everything. DeSordi recalled a student who often came in moody and reluctant to participate.
“I pulled her aside to talk, and I think we connected because I was already having a rough day myself,” she said, noting that after their conversation, the student returned to the activity with a smile. “Her whole attitude changed. She was laughing and participating, and I was smiling and laughing with her.”
Driving home afterward, DeSordi felt a rush of purpose.
“I was exhausted but proud,” she said. “I thought, ‘I love what I’m doing, and I can’t wait to do this full-time.’ Moments like that make all the chaos worth it.”
Although she said swimming guided her to becoming the person she is today, it’s teaching and continuing to learn that pushes her forward.
“I’m excited for the next chapter and the chance to help students believe in themselves the way my teachers and coaches believed in me,” she said.