As I look back over the past 10 years of my swimming career, there are many incredible people and memories that come to mind. I never could have imagined that swimming would have brought me so many great friendships or to the Bahamas for a training trip! Swimming has always been a part of my life even before I began competing and I hope it continues to be a part of the rest of my life! Of course, I couldn't have done it alone and that is why I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in my passion of swimming.
First of all, thank you to my parents, Larry and Vicki, who encouraged me to join swimming as a seventh grader. Although I had never swam competitively before, you supported my decision and drove me to countless practices and meets. Throughout all the years, I could count on seeing both of you cheering me on from the stands, volunteering at swim related events, and emptying your pockets for swim suits, goggles, and swim caps. For all of that and more, I want to thank you! Libby, it has been such a pleasure seeing you enjoy swimming for South Saint Paul and I hope you continue to swim during your college experience. It's been fun having you watch with Mom and Dad!
Next, I would like to thank all of my coaches over the years who took the time to work with me on my lousy breaststroke kick and helping me improve in all areas of swimming. Coach Lindquist, I remember when Abby K. and I came into your office our sophomore year and announced we wanted to join the team. You were very welcoming and had a positive attitude that has continued over the past three years. I'll never forget my first meet with Saint Mary's as you handed everyone a cookie as they got off the bus and said "cookies make you swim faster." I knew right then we would get along just fine! You truly understand how college students think and are very tolerable of our sometimes poor decisions in and out of the pool. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the team! It has been a blast and I hope someone takes over naming all of the fish in the aquarium once I have graduated!
Everyone on the SMU swim team, current and past, you have all been great friends and role models to me. We have made many memories that I will never forget from grill outs, movie nights, long bus rides, game nights, early morning practices, and I could go on and on! I can't imagine all of you not being a part of my Saint Mary's experience and for that I would like to thank you! Some of my favorite memories from Saint Mary's have been with the swim team! I will never forget hiking the bluffs during winter break sophomore year or swimming in an outdoor pool at 6 a.m. in the Bahamas! Anna, I was very fortunate to have you as a roommate this past summer in Spain! I don't think I could have navigated the streets of Sevilla or enjoyed as much ice cream without you! The guys, I have enjoyed all of the grill outs, movie nights, fun times at your place, and being your neighbor this year! Abby K. and Kristin, both of you have been very close friends to me over the years and we have had LOTS of fun times together!
This brings me to my roommates, Jacinta, Tara, and Sabrina. You have all been a huge part of my Saint Mary's experience! We have practically been inseparable since freshman year and I look forward to all of our future memories! Sabrina, I couldn't have been any luckier for having you as my freshman roommate! I have appreciated all of the back massages after hard practices, laughs, support, and I am looking forward to you joining us back in the Pig Pen! Jacinta, I apologize for my alarm clock waking you up all those early mornings I had practice and for coming back late from meets! You have always been very understanding and patient with me, which I can't thank you enough for! Tara, you understand how hard swimming can be and are always willing to listen to me complain about practices and meets! I can always expect a "good luck" text before the meet from all three of you girls and another text from each of you after the meet wondering how it went. It is the small things that make all the difference!
As my last season comes to a close, I realize how fortunate I have been and am very satisfied with where I have ended up. Saint Mary's and swimming have given me many friendships, opportunities, and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life! Even though nobody knows where life will take me after graduation, it is safe to say that swimming will still be a part of it! I look forward to joining the Saint Mary's swimming alumni crew and swimming in future alumni meets. Good luck to all of you on the rest of your swimming careers! Once again, thank you to all of you that have been involved in this great journey!
|
