Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Choosing to swim in college was one of the best, yet hardest, decisions that I have made here at Saint Mary's University.  Looking back to my senior year of high school, I was ready to be done with swimming. Forever. My senior year season was incredibly difficult and mentally exhausting and I was determined to never compete again. This attitude slowly started to change as I began receiving phone calls and postcards from Jami, the assistant coach for SMU at the time, inquiring how I was doing and sharing a little bit about the team.  Her description of the team and kind personality started to get me thinking that maybe one more season of swimming wouldn’t be that bad.  The rest is history. I joined the team my freshman year with much excitement and a little bit of hesitation, but it turns out that I absolutely loved the atmosphere and opportunities that the team had to offer. The SMU swim team has given me so much throughout the years.  It has allowed me to develop my skills as a swimmer and break some personal records.  It has taught me many time management and leadership skills. Most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to make new friends and grow in relationship with them. For this, I am extremely grateful!

To Coach: Thank you for putting up with me these past years.  I know it has not always been easy, whether it be having to listen to me speak Spanish, endure me forgetting what I was going to say every two seconds, or telling me to calm down by counting to 10… in roman numerals. I have enjoyed our conversations together and the relationship that has developed these past years.  I have learned so much from you, including the importance of understanding and not getting worked up about the little things.  Please know that you have made a big impact in my life, both as a student and athlete. 

To JJ: It has been a pleasure getting to know you these past few years.  Thank you for all your support.

To the alumni:  Christina, I will never forget your strong leadership skills. Thank you for helping make my freshman year a good one.  Linda, you are the first person that I met at SMU while visiting as a prospective student. I am so happy with the friendship that has developed throughout the years.  I have always wanted an older sister; God blessed me with you. Neal, I truly enjoyed being your “moral compass” sophomore year. Nikki, don’t ever underestimate your talent.  Jon, I will finally be able to finish my sentence without interruption. “Despite everything … you have become an amazing breaststroker, and I am truly impressed.”  Thanks for all the 500 card games.  Sam, I am glad that you finally decided to give the team a try.  You always cheered me up while walking to morning practice together.  Miss Blonde Abby, I can’t imagine what España would have been like without you.  Kratzke, I am so glad you were willing to move in with my sophomore year.  I miss your wonderful baking.  Kaitlyn, I very much appreciate all the support you have shown me throughout the years, especially my senior year.  Your kind words and best wishes have been very helpful.  Sivan, between helping me with school, pushing me during swimming, and all the fun adventures, I don’t know how to express my gratitude to you.  Thank you. Robbie, you are such a determined and talented person.  That will take you far in life. Mark, I could not ask for a better friendship.  Thanks for the hikes, mafia games (It was totally you!), teaching me the “Mark philosophy”, and for pushing me as a swimmer.

To the current team:  Ashling, you are such a bright and talented woman.  Thank you for putting up with me as a roommate, sharing your movies, and all the laughs we have had together.  Anne, I am so happy that you decided to attend SMU and join the swim team!  I am going to miss our amazing conversations and the ice cream dates/ditches.  Danielle, I have enjoyed watching you develop as a talented diver and leader these past few years. Shea, your kindness and thoughtfulness are overwhelming. Thank you for being there for me.  Sarah Fanning, you are such a beautiful lady in mind, body, and spirit whom I have been blessed to get to know these past years.  Lauren, my swim suit buddy, I hope you enjoyed joining the team this year.  Determination and persistence will get you far.  Grace, we are like the same person! I can’t wait to hear about your amazing accomplishments both as a swimmer and leader in the future.   Chloe, I am glad you choose to attend SMU even after having me as a host.  You are such a sweet and funny woman.  Mackenzie, your “southern bell” accent always brings a smile to my face. Marit, your determination at meets is inspiring.  I am so proud of all your hard work.  Claire, you are a very talented diver.  I have enjoyed spending time with you and getting to know your sweet personality. Shelby, keep up the hard work that you have been showing this year.  I look forward to watching you continue to succeed.  Andrew, I have enjoyed our time spent together laughing, joking, and swimming (or not). You are like a brother figure to me and I can always rely on you to be a listening ear.  Jimmy, I have missed having you around first semester. I have truly enjoyed our conversations together.  PJ, you are such a talented and cleaver person.  I will never forget all the brilliant pranks you have pulled on me, always keeping me on my toes.  Scott, only you would be willing to wake up at 7:00am to feed my racquetball addiction.  Thank you for everything you have done for me.  Sam, I cannot find words to describe the adventures we have gone on/conversations we have had together. Thanks for all the laughs.  Joe, I very much appreciate you counting my T-30.  Keep working hard to improve and become a role model to those around you.  Evan, you never cease to amaze me with your talent and always bring a smile to my face.  Remember to keep it classy. 

To the seniors:  WE MADE IT! Kristin, remember those good old skemp days?  Look how far we have come, my dear! Thanks for being such a supportive friend these past years. Sarah, you have always been a friendly face that I can turn to when needed.  Thank you for hanging in there with us!  Beth, I am glad that you decided to join the team junior year.  You add so much to it, and it would not be the same without you. Ladies, good luck on all your future endeavors, I know each of you will succeed in whatever you choose to do in life. 

To my family:  Mom and dad, I could not have made it this far without your support, both financially and emotionally.  You have always been there for me, and I know that you will continue to be there for me as I dive into the next chapter of my life. I cannot thank you enough. Matthew and Peter, even though it was never easy, coming to watch me swim meant a lot to me, please know that.  Natalie, I am so excited to watch you mature into a beautiful, talented swimmer and/or basketball player.  I will always support you as you have supported me.  Thank you for all your best wishes and cheers.

To my awesome swim team: Four years go by so fast.  Take advantage of every opportunity that is placed in front of you.  No regrets.  Try something new, have a little fun.  Don’t hold back.  Swim like you love it, because you do!