Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It’s hard to believe my senior year is coming to an end.  I thought I was going to be done with swimming after I graduated high school.  I spent a semester at Elmhurst College and quickly realized I missed swimming and being on a team.  I transferred to Saint Mary’s during my freshman year of college and decided to join the SMU swim team. The team quickly became my family and group of amazing people to lean on.  
    
To Coach: You’ve done so much for me over the years.  You definitely made the transfer so much easier for me.  You immediately encouraged me to join the team and get to know everyone.  I can’t thank you enough for that.  It was reassuring to know that I was joining a team that had a coach that took the time to get to know his athletes.  Also, thank you for putting up with Ashling and me - I know our energy and love for Bruce Willis can be a lot to handle sometimes.
    
Ashing: Hey remember that one time when we didn’t talk to each other? And by ‘we’ I really mean ‘I.’ But now we’re friends - so that’s pretty neat.  There are way too many memories! So I’ve decided that Bruce Willis, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, and Pepsi pretty much sum up our friendship.  Also, I bet you a cupcake that Harold’s allergic to bees.  
    
Jimmy: I’ll always remember the time when we were at the second meet - second meet of the season, Jimmy - and you go “How many more of these do we have!?” I’m excited to see what the future holds for you.  Good luck next year with the real adult life!
    
Fanning: You’ve taught me a lot about who I am and who I want to be.  You are a very solid person and I admire that about you.  And please keep sending me funny Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart videos.  Also, one last thing, winter is coming.  I promise I’ll finish the 4th season.  
    
Christina aka Mocha Bear: I’m so glad you decided to join the team this year!! I’m going to miss our weekly ice cream dates to Culver’s and our pizza parties in LaSalle and our conversations with our British accents (we all know yours is fake).  Also, Iowa loves you.  Please visit me sometime.
    
PJ: You’re a sasquatch.  
    
Scott: You’ve improved so much since your freshman year! I hope you stick with it and continue to work hard!  
    
Eggs: It’s been fun getting to know you. You’re a fun guy to be around even when you make fun of my height.
    
Grace: I’ve had so much fun hanging out with you the last couple of years! I’m going to miss you and our lovely chats!
    
Chloe: Remember - don’t pity clap.  Ever.
    
Tonda: I’m going to beat you in Trivia Crack..someday.  
    
Claire: I’m really glad you decided to join swimming! You’ve done an amazing job this year! Marit: You are so determined and dedicated! Keep it up because your hard work definitely pays off at the meets!
    
Shelby: I hope your diving career at SMU continues to be successful! Good luck next year!
    
EJ: I’m going to miss our trips to Chipotle and Panera! We have to go a couple more times this year!
    
To the freshmen: You guys are a fantastic group of people! It’s been fun hanging out with you at the meets and in practices this year.  I know the practices can be hard but hang in there!  I know everyone says this but your time here will go by fast - so enjoy it!
    
To my family: Thanks Mom and Dad for all of your support and love.  You’ve spent a lot of time at the pool because of Matthew and me.  I know watching a 500 is pretty boring but it means a lot to me that you make to my meets.  And it’s always great when you bring me cookies.  I don’t know what I would’ve done without you guys! Love you!