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In Her Words HOW SWIMMING CHANGED MY LIFE

At age two I jumped in the family pool and never looked back. Twenty years later, I want to thank you. You are my foundation. You have brought me closer to family, teammates, coaches, and mentors. Those relationships alone are enough to make me grateful for a lifetime.

Looking back, you are present in all my memories. While I treasure the moments in the pool, it is the times outside of it that I cherish most. Whether the times underwater led to road trips, white-water rafting, team retreats, banana boating, pasta dinners, or themed outfits, I will always be thankful for the people and opportunities you brought to me.

Of course, you and I have had our share of ups and downs. Each early morning workout, snow-filled walk to practice, and long competition challenged me beyond anything I could have imagined. Through it all, you gave me the strength and the people to keep fighting.

During the hard times, I was always bolstered by the incredible support from my family, friends, and teammates. For every time my teammates and I celebrated on deck, I can remember the ensuing family hug in the stands. No matter if the pool deck was five minutes from home or a three hour flight away, they were always there.

As I have gone through life, you have been the consistent friend by my side. You gave me a place of belonging and an opportunity to grow. You helped me foster friendships with some of the most powerful, inspirational, and incredible women I have ever met.

You taught me that we could achieve much more than our athletic feats.

I will be forever grateful for all that you have given me and know that I can always return to the water when I need my friend again. Thank you for everything.

To read more letters from the NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 honorees:
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