Dear family,
There’s something incredible about this team. Being a part of it is unlike any experience I’ve ever had. I am so thankful to have each and every one of you in my life and you’ve already changed my life. People always told me that college swimming would change my perspective, but I didn’t see how it truly would until I got here.
I used to swim just for myself. I would race against the clock with my only goal being to beat my own times. Now, everytime I step on the pool deck, every kick and pull are motivated by the letters on my cap. I see that same desire in each and every one of you. I’ve never seen a group of girls so passionate about a sport. Thank you for being my role models.
I used to see swimming as a chore. It was something I had to do. I’d always done it, swimming had always been what I was good at and that was the end of it. I would count down the minutes until practice was over, obsessively checking the clock and calculating how long each set would take. But with our team, everything is different. There’s always a great song blasting and someone lip syncing in between sets. Even during the most brutal ones, I can always count on hearing multiple teammates yell an encouraging “let’s go girls!” or “only one more ladies!” Thank you for making swimming fun.
I used to see swimming as an individual sport. During my first few weeks of practice, we did our first all out race from the blocks. I was taken aback when I heard almost every single member of our team cheering for each other. I have never been on a team that was so supportive of one another at a meet, let alone during just practice. This hasn’t changed for a second since that first day. Thank you for being my biggest fans, and thank you for letting me be yours.
I used to see my teammates as just teammates. But as we settled in here, all of you took us in. We have team movie nights and eat meals together not because we have to, but because we want to. If I seem just a little bit off on any given day, I can count on at least one of you asking me what’s wrong and if you can help in any way. The upperclassmen are always willing to help us out, whether it’s food, a ride, or anything we could think of. Thank you for being my family.
I used to see swimming as a question mark. I hesitated when deciding whether or not I would swim in college, and now I can’t imagine my life without it. It doesn’t matter how challenging things get in and out of the pool- we’re all by each other’s sides and I wouldn’t give that up for anything. I am honored to be a part of this team. Thank you for changing the way I see myself and the sport of swimming.
You make every grueling set, late night study session, and lost hour of sleep worth it.
Love,
A thankful sister
AB