In the immediate aftermath of the announcement that Maryland intends to cut their men’s and women’s swimming programs, there has been a huge national outpouring of support. We reached out to former Maryland swimmer Annie Fittin, who is the defending ACC Champion in the 50 free, to get a feeling for the mood of the Maryland swimming family. Here’s what she had to say about the news:
My reaction is shock as well as everyone else’s. We were not expecting this. The team has been working so hard in and out of the pool each day. I watch them support each other unconditionally at meets, during practice, while we do dryland at weights or even in the classroom. Their dedication towards each other is inspiring to only myself but the coaches. Everyone pushes each other to exceed their expectations.
What I love about the team is their courage. Their call to action happened immediately after the news. Every single person took some sort of step to spread the word and get any type of support. They realize that this family that they are a part of, the Maryland swim team family, would do anything to save this program. They are incredibly intelligent passionate people that I know, would do anything to keep swimming for the Terps. Their experience with each other means so much more to them than how much money is spent on them at the University.
We are the Terps, and as our fight song says, “Keep on fighting, don’t give in.”
For more information on how to help, see our piece on the “Call to Action” for Maryland Swimming & Diving.
Fittin’s younger brother Peter and younger sister Carolyn are both currently on the Maryland Swim Team.