New Season

I don’t remember a summer where I wasn’t on the swim team. I swam with my team for years and I loved it. It was a small team and I had grown to love my coach and teammates as my swimming family. I like being comfortable and am really averse change. So, when my dad told me we were switching teams, I was upset and nervous. I had no idea what would happen over the course of the season. I knew I would miss my friends and coach and questioned the future. Would I do well on the new team? Would I like my coach or teammates? Would they even like me?

I was so nervous on the first day of practice. All the new faces were confusing. I didn't really want to do it, but I had to jump into the pool. When my feet touched the smooth, cool water, I realized I had to just go for it and make the best of it. At the end of practice, I realized that all this change could be for the better. The coach seemed excited about the practice. He was friendly and seemed to understand what I needed to do to fix my strokes and get me faster.

As the days passed, I seemed to belong. The first meet was successful and I was improving with each practice. As the season carried on, I became stronger and more confident. I became a better swimmer and I made lots of friends. By the end of the season, I was having so much fun, I didn’t want it to end. I had come to love my new coach and my teammates were awesome. I was also ranked top twenty in the league in three events. When it seemed like it couldn't get better, I made the All-Star Team.

Being a member of the All-Star team capped off this magical summer. I can remember the loud and rambunctious crowd. I was overjoyed and it was exciting. I can recall the sound of the loud buzzer as it went off and the splash my hands made as they entered the calm water. I will never forget the feeling of making my way to the wall and realizing I had earned a medal, hugging my coach after my swim, or observing the flash of the cameras. It was an experience that taught me to embrace a little change and discomfort, because they can bring new experiences and great joy.

~ Morgan E.