By Kate Smarjesse, Swimming World College Intern
A year ago I was faced with one of the toughest decisions in my life so far– picking a college to attend. The college decision process left me relieved but also exhausted. A year ago I decided to attend University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and compete at the Division III level. As my freshman year comes to a close, I have been reflecting over all the new and exciting changes in my life.
I had been swimming with the same group of people since taking my first strokes, so coming to a new team where I did not know anyone was a shock. Having a new family 500 miles away from my home has helped me throughout the year in more ways than I can describe. This past season has not only been about myself, but my sport.
Swim Family
Photo Courtesy: Hayley Good
College swimming has taught me the power of friendship. Before coming to college I was very close with my swim friends, but I had known them all my whole life. Coming to a new team where I did not know anyone was scary, but very rewarding. Meeting my new teammates and learning about their lives and what brought them to St. Thomas brought me close with people I would have never met.
Growing close with my teammates throughout the season not only helped my transition to college, but it also helped my swimming performances. One of my favorite parts of my St.Thomas team is the bond all of my teammates and I share. No matter how or what you are swimming someone will always be there cheering for you. The encouragement and support I received from my new teammates this past season helped me realize that there is more to swimming than the time on the board. We all swim for each other and our swim family.
Individualized Training
Photo Courtesy: G. John Mullen
Unlike my club season days, not all the hours of training are spent in the pool. One of the most significant changes in my training has been outside of the pool. As soon as the season started our coach had us in the weight and cardio room. We were introduced to our strength coach and sports trainer who created a strength program for each of us. In high school I knew that out of pool training was important, but not with the level of understanding I have now. My coach emphasized the importance of keeping our bodies in shape outside of the pool. He pushed us to spend time in the cardio and weight room and told each of us that our season goals would not be reached if we didn’t spend extra time outside of the pool working out. Although I dreaded those 6 a.m. lifting sessions, all of our hard work paid off at the end of the season.
Division III
Photo Courtesy: Diana Pimer
Deciding to swim at the Division III level was the second best decision I have ever made, right behind choosing to attend the University of St. Thomas. The most rewarding part of swimming at this level is the passion everyone has for the sport. I have never been surrounded so many people who love the sport as much as I do.
After competing at the NCAA Division III Championships I realized how amazing this level of competition really is. The athletes competing at this level are not only doing it because of how much they enjoy the sport, but also because of how much they value their education. In Division III sports, there is an off-season with no required practices. This break from practices allows us to focus on our studies, but also allows time for job shadowing and internships.
A year ago I made the best and scariest decision. I am forever thankful to be given the opportunity to continue my swim career and am so lucky to have found myself a new home here at the University of St. Thomas. I am thankful for all my teammates support and encouragement throughout this past year and cannot wait to see what next season holds.
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