SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. If you have thoughts to share, please send [email protected].
This “Shouts from the Stands” submission comes from Katie Lafferty.
Dear Teammates,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you, each and every one of you. There are many things I would like to say, but most importantly, thank you for being the people that you are. Thank you for being great friends and just genuinely great humans. As we all know, the previous two years were rough and there was definitely a divide within the team. Coming into this season I was nervous, scared, and hesitant. Getting an entirely new group of girls does that, it makes you question everything. But this year has been different.
Thank you for making me feel accepted and loved. Even on bad days, you guys still show me love, even if I didn’t deserve it. Thank you for making me feel like I am finally apart of a united team, not two sides constantly going against each other. It’s funny how nice things are when you can go to practice each and every day and not have to walk on eggshells because you don’t know if you’re going to say something that could possibly be used against you one day. Thank you for always being so encouraging. Whether you’re a “veteran” on the team or a “rookie” I can always count on you to be there to encourage me and lift me up when I need it most.
As I said before, thank you for being the people that you are. Thank you for not going out of your way to ruin someone else’s day. Thank you for having each others back, always. I know we don’t always all get along with each other, but I don’t think it is possible for 26 girls to be 100% happy with each other at all times. However, with that being said, I feel confident saying that no matter what happens, I can count on any single one of you guys to be there to help me if I need it.
I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words what each and everyone of you mean to me. Whether we have been teammates for four months or two and a half years, you guys are the best and I wouldn’t want to be apart of any other group of girls. Thank you for making this season the best one yet.
With Love,
~Katie
I am a collegiate swimmer, swimming for Saint Francis University (PA). I am a first semester senior studying business management and business marketing with a minor in social work. I am a three-time school record holder for the Red Flash and a NEC conference champion.