By Maddie Strasen
High school seasons begin and end at multiple times during the year. Some are nearing the end of their scholastic days. For those racing in high school competition for one of the last times, or for a final year, the end of a high school career is bittersweet. It’s important to remember all the memories you’ve made and to embrace the lessons you’ve learned.
Here are five things to know as you finish your last high school season.
1. Times and places aren’t everything.
Photo Courtesy: Florida Swim Network
You worked hard. Swimming is a sport where you don’t always get the results you want. Sometimes you put in everything you can, and when you don’t get results you were striving for, you tell yourself it wasn’t enough, that you needed to work harder or train better. There are always ways to improve training and ways to work harder, even when you have put in so much, but remember that you did all that you could to get where you are.
You made sacrifices. Your coaches and teammates saw you grow, prosper and reach for your fullest potential. You put all of your effort into getting better, but most of all, you cared. You should be immensely proud of the progress you have made and the seasons you’ve enjoyed. Remember that you did everything you could do, and go forth with a learning experience under your belt. There are always more chances to achieve greatness.
2. Your swim friends are your forever friends.
Photo Courtesy: Jean Strasen
You or your friends may not be continuing the sport, but teammates will always share a special kind of bond that can never be broken. Through training, bus rides, pasta parties, meets, success and failure, your teammates are the ones who experienced all of it with you. You will always have those memories and the ability to cherish them together. Although different interests may lead you to different places in life, swimming is a part of each of you, and is something you all share.
3. Be proud of what you accomplished.
Photo Courtesy: Florida Swim Network
Every senior plays an important role on a swim team. Although captains are considered the primary leaders of a team, all upperclassmen carry qualities that teammates look up to. Leading by example or actively leading team activities are two contrasting ways to express leadership that do not go unnoticed. Whether you’re breaking school records, achieving personal best times or getting the team hyped for a big meet, your place on the team was important and recognizable.
4. Remember your in-season mindset.
Photo Courtesy: Florida Swim Network
High school season is fun, but it also requires hard work. This applies to many aspects of life, even out of the pool. Remember how to have fun and work hard simultaneously. Be close with the people around you. Push yourself, and each other, to achieve more. Those are lessons that will carry you far both in and out of the water.
5. This doesn’t have to be the end.
Photo Courtesy: UVM Athletics
Swimming is a lifelong sport. Opportunities to swim competitively are everywhere— swimming in college is a decision to consider, USA Swimming or college club teams are abundant, or you can grab your cap and goggles and head to your community pool to swim a few laps. The water will always be there when you when you need to clear your head.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
