Diving, you called me when I was a 60 pound, 4-foot-3-inch tall, 9-year-old swimmer running around on the pool deck at the Texas Swimming Center, like I owned the place. My parents inspired my brother and I to swim from the time we were born, and the water called my name, as I could swim before I could walk. At the TSC, I would watch the Olympians and say, “One day, I’m going to be a collegiate and Olympic swimmer.” That day, when I was 9, diving crossed my path in a different way, and my collegiate and Olympic goal remained, but the sport changed.
Like any other day, I was making my rounds on the pool deck, and I walked over to the diving well, to talk to Matt Scoggin, the University of Texas head diving coach. As we stood there, Matt said, “Big Al (my pool nickname), you should try diving”. I laughed. Then, I said, I’m going to be an Olympic swimmer.” But that exchange was the moment that you started calling my name. From that time on, every time I would get in the water for swim practice, the symphony of the diving boards rang in my head. Diving, you were irresistible. A few months later, I went to my first diving practice; made Junior Nationals in six months and was on my way to my collegiate/Olympic diving goals. Six years later, Matt recruited me to become one of his collegiate divers at the University of Texas, to be a Longhorn. I committed to UT, and he became my collegiate and now professional coach.
Diving, you taught me innumerable life lessons and introduced me to incredible people who have impacted my life not only in the sport but also beyond the sport into my personal and professional decisions. Much of that growth happened during my college years at UT where I faced trials and ended my NCAA career with many All American honors and a national championship title. From the moment I touched a diving board, you pushed me past my limits emotionally, mentally and physically. You inspired me to face my biggest fears and discover my hidden weaknesses. Through failure, heartbreak and success, you prepared me to stand on the biggest stages in front of thousands of people and perform. In my best and worst moments, you taught me humility. Your impact has been an integral part of helping me become the woman I am today, and has been influential in my relationships, mindset, and identity.
With regard to relationships, you have given me some pretty good relationship advice. You taught me how to communicate better, respect myself regardless of how others treated me, take care of my body despite the pressures that are put on athletes to be perfect even in physical appearance, uphold high standards for everything that I pursue, and to cherish every moment of every day that I am fortunate to be alive. You taught me that love is tough, complex and can hurt, but that it also brings joy, fulfilling relationships and inspiration to constantly improve. Most importantly, you taught me how to be a better, daughter, friend, sister, student, leader, and fighter.
Next, in mindset, you were always honest with me. There were moments when I would have a great competition or a big success, and you would find ways to remind me that I’m human and imperfect. You allowed me to see that success is attainable, but mistakes and failure are inevitable. Through the moments of tough love, I learned how to work harder, get stronger and remain humble.
Finally, with regard to identity, you taught me where my identity lies. Millions of athletes across the world struggle with who they really are. They have identity crises and feelings of emptiness. There was a while where I struggled with these as well. Everything I did revolved around you, and my success and failure in you determined my attitude and self-perception. As I grew wiser, I realized that yes, I love you diving, but I also love, my family, my friends, my hobbies, school and most importantly God. Diving you showed me how to love, but I also had to learn how to love you without letting you define me. When I discovered that I was more than just a diver or more than my success in the sport, I then was able to embrace all of the amazing people and opportunities around me. Diving, you became my friend instead of my identity.
In conclusion, I thank you, diving, for all of the valuable lessons you have taught me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to compete collegiately at the University of Texas and internationally for the United States. Thank you for showing me the importance of family and a strong support network. You will forever have a special place in my heart.