By Alison Murtagh, Swimming World College Intern
Class of 2016,
With graduation just around the corner, I have come to realize that so is our last time in the pool together. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your life, whether it involves swimming or not, I just want to let you know how much of a difference you made on the team.
As seniors, you were there to welcome the freshman to campus. You greeted them on move-in day, and decorated their doors to make them feel at ease. You told embarrassing stories from your own freshman year, and warned them not to make the same mistakes. You helped show them the ropes, and teach them the ways of the team—how to transition to college swimming and how to live on their own for the first time. You were there to make sure everyone felt welcome and to lend a listening ear when the homesickness eventually set in.
As seniors, you helped the sophomores get over the “sophomore slump.” Through your encouragement and motivation, you showed them that it’s okay if not every swim is a best time and that they will persevere through the difficult parts of the year. You were always there to share a funny story to lighten the mood after a hard practice, or to offer advice after a rough day.
As seniors, you gave the juniors an example of the leaders they aspire to be next year. Your dedication to the sport as well as your commitment to the team helped to pave the way for future captains and leaders. Your DJ skills in the lockerroom left big shoes to fill, as well as your leading of cheers and pep talks.
Photo Courtesy: Laura Stoecker
Whether or not you are swimming next year doesn’t matter. Thank you for instilling in the rest of the team your values of hard-work, dedication, and commitment. As you stood on the blocks for your last race, and then on the podium for one last time, it was hard to look forward into the future and not picturing you there with us. You always put the team first and were there to pick us up mid-meet, or offer advice after a bad race.
When we reminisce about the past next year, and the freshmen ask who you were, we will make sure to tell them. We will tell them about the time you rallied us up to win the meet, and the time you pulled an all-nighter and still went to morning practice. Your jokes will be retold time and again, and we will laugh to ourselves when we think about the various “remember whens…”
As you pack up your rooms and clear your lockers, know that you will not be forgotten. You have been an integral part of the team for your four years, and your legacy will remain long after you hang up your goggles for the last time. Thank you for being the shoulder to lean on, the person to sing with, and the friend that helps put on a technical suit. I will never forget all that you have done, and will think of you as I come back and start a new season next fall.
So when you’re in D.C., or New York, or wherever you are headed, please remember those of us still staring at a black line for hours on end. Remember us as we get ready for Conference, or pack on to the bus to drive to training trip. You have done more than you know, and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Good luck with your future endeavors, and don’t forget your team back home—because we definitely will not forget you.
Omar Assir Ali El-Tawil