I'm fast-walking on the sidewalk, en route to class. Then I see one. It hits me like a punch in the stomach. No, it isn't a clown or a serial killer. It's a college swimmer.

Ever since I was 12, swimming was my sanctuary. After a rough day at school, I could always look forward to momentarily forgetting all about it during swim practice. I loved the pain of training and the satisfaction after a killer workout even more. Being a swimmer was my brand all throughout high school and I wore it proudly.

The decision to stop definitely wasn't easy. I looked at the sport as a whole and could blatantly see that it wasn't the innocent escape that it was for me when I was 12. It had been corrupted with walk-on standards and self-doubt. But that doesn't make seeing the swim team on campus any easier. One component universal to any sport is a sense of camaraderie and family. That's the element I miss the most.

To anyone out there struggling with their decision to not be a college athlete, just know that you're not alone. I have met countless ex-swimmers and even one ex-softball player. You'll learn to pour all your energy into another passion. You'll surprise yourself with the success you achieve. You'll find a new family.

Sincerely,

Faith