By Grace Hoffmann, Swimming World College Intern
As recruiting season picks up, the nation’s top divers and swimmers choose their dream school to continue their athletic career. Some of these athletes continue their careers with a familiar face by their side, a teammate from the the club or a fellow high school athlete. However, some of us end up choosing schools in the same conference, yet not the same team.
Hold on to your cap and goggles, friends. A swimming rivalry has just begun. If you are like myself, maybe this “teammate” also happens to be your best friend. Although unfortunate at first, the new experience of being on different teams could be one of your most challenging yet memorable experiences to date.
So, to all the newly committed, or to those looking at the competitor schools of their best friends, do not fret. Although competitors, your teammate from home will still be one of your biggest fans. Also, just because you do not swim together everyday, twice a day, does not mean that you will be out of the loop with what is going on with them and around them.
Transitioning from seeing each other everyday, and being on the same team, to being hours away and rivals has taught me some valuable life lessons. Although I do miss my best friend dearly, and being on a team without her at some points feels wrong, I know that we are both living out our dreams. Over the past few months I have learned…
1. Distance doesn’t stop encouragement.
Photo Courtesy: Nicholas McMillan
Three hours apart seems close at first. Then, you get to college and realize that being a student-athlete means that you can not leave and take a trip home or visit your friends like an average college student. However, thanks to texting, calling, and FaceTiming, the talking is endless. My best friend and I still send each other the “good luck” messages. The pep talk she gave before every big meet is still given to me but now just on the phone. Although rivals, she still supports me and looks up how I swam in meets. She knows my best times and whether or not I had a good race. She is still invested in my swimming and wants me to excel.
2. Although at different schools, we are going through the same experiences.
Photo Courtesy: Shelby Iava
That being said, we are having the same feelings. The combination of school and swimming is challenging. A new environment, harder classes, and an unfamiliar coach are just a few of the big changes that occur within the first week of college. It is all a bit daunting, and to be brutally honest, it’s scary. At some points you just need to vent and talk out what you are thinking. Having someone who understands your feelings and who truly knows what you’re going through is splendid. The bonus to this is that they are at a different school. You can learn from each other and help each other by using their experiences to help yours.
3. A friendly competition is fun.
Photo Courtesy: Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports Images
When your football team beats theirs. Or the number one recruit chose your school over theirs, a little bragging is definitely necessary when done in good spirits. Being rival schools with my best friend makes me excited to compete with her school. The competition between our teams makes us work harder. When on break at home we always wear our respective schools when we are together. We joke that we wouldn’t dare being seen in the other’s team colors. This being said, though, at a dual meet against each other, I know she would be the first to say good job to me after my race.
4. Once a teammate, always a teammate.
Although not on the same team currently, she’ll always be my teammate. We may not be singing the same cheer now, but just a mere three months ago plus years before that we were.
Swimming is a sport in which we learn to rely on the support of others. Our teammates, no matter what team we end up on in college, will always be considered part of our swim family.
How I miss coaching these 2!!!