Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I have only been a part of this team for the last two years, but how close I’ve gotten to everyone in that short amount of time makes it feel like I’ve always been a part of the team.  That’s what made this experience so rewarding.   I am so thankful to everyone on the team the last two years who made me feel welcome even though I had never been on a swim team before last year, and I came in late to the season because of soccer.

Everyone here has contributed to my experience on the team in more ways than one, but there are some people specifically that I would like to thank because I wouldn’t have been able to survive the last two years without you.  First, Mark, Anna, and Linda.  You three were the ones that got me to join swim team in the first place.  After doing some random swim workouts with each of you, you were all very persistent to get me to come out the following year.  Finally after all of your convincing, and taking the time to teach me how to flip turns and to be able to breathe on both sides so I kind of actually looked like I knew what I was doing, I caved and made a terrifying decision to do something I’ve never really had much experience in besides swimming lessons and triathlons.  Now I’m glad you guys never gave up on me, because it was one of the better decisions I’ve made here at SMU.  I finally made the decision to join the team, but the drive to keep going was another thing.  Everyone was very welcoming and supportive, but I don’t think I could’ve gotten through all the workouts without the group of freshmen that were new to the team along with me.  Scott, P.J., Sarah, and Shea.  We were all newbies to the team together, and easily got along with each other.  Not only that, but besides P.J., we were all basically new to the sport of swimming at an intense level.  It was so helpful to have you there to be on my level, to help push me, and to improve with me.

Beyond the team, I am also grateful for the support I received from my parents.  They were surprised when I told them my decision to join the team, but they were just as excited as I was to see what would come out of my choice.  I think they had just as much fun learning about the sport and watching me improve as I did, but maybe that’s just because it’s what parents are supposed to do…..nah, just kidding, your support of my decisions is just as helpful to me to make it through as my teammates’ support. Thanks for everything! I love you!

Finally, the best for last … or something like that … Coach. Thanks! .. .that’s all I got.
But really, thank you so much for the last two years.  I was surprised when you were so willing for me to join the team, especially since I had no swimming experience and you knew nothing about me…unless you creeped on me or something while I would swim during open swim..which, I mean, what else do you have to do sitting in your office all day?  But really, thanks for taking the time to teach me basic techniques or answering any questions I had.  Also, you figured out exactly what to say to motivate me to keep pushing myself during practices, or to swim in extra races at meets, which I love and hate at the same time, but without it, I wouldn’t have improved as much as I have over the last two years.  Thanks for always making practice fun, and being fun to hang out with outside of practice, whether it’s bumming around Puerto Rico, or letting me nap in your office for two hours while you clean out your aquarium.

Yadda yadda yadda, thanks thanks, thanks, and all that jazz.  It’s been a fantastic two years. I’ll stop rambling now.