I've always loved the water. Between the beach and the pool, my mom could never get me to leave. Something about being in the water makes me so happy.

When I was younger I would pretend that I was a mermaid and that I couldn't use both my legs. I would stay under water as long as I could, until my fingers and toes looked like raisins.

I started taking swim lessons when I was really young. As I got older, my family joined the local pool down the street from my house. The pool is River Road Swim Club.

This pool has been a part of my life for about 12 to 13 years now. It's my favorite place to be during the summer, I practically live there.

When I was 6 or 7 years old, I joined the swim team. I was so excited, but then again, who isn't at that age?

I loved going to swim meets. Putting my suit on every Tuesday and Thursday for a swim meet for six weeks is my favorite thing. Writing your events that you swim on your hand in sharpie, always having your goggles wrapped around your wrist.

I competed for 11 years every summer. The swim team is a second family to me. I have made more friends then I ever could have imagined.

My friends Chris, Sara, and Harrison

This is my friend Hannah. Hannah and I have grown up together, but we were never super close until last summer. She became a very good friend to me last summer, and I honestly love her! She is an amazing person and I'm glad that we were able to get closer. Yes, the picture isn't of us at the pool, but we have been going to the pool since we were both little.

My brother even did it with me for a while. It was our favorite thing to do together.

From 2011; I was giving him a pep talk.

Along with swim meets come our amazing starter and announcer, who retired just last summer. They were a part of the pool for over 15 years.

Boby Moley and Dave Clauser

They have been a part of River Road for a very long time. They are two of my favorite people who are at River Road.

Mr. Moley is one of the best announcers and he has the biggest heart.

When you turn 18, you are no longer able to compete for a local pool for swim team. Therefore, Mr. Moley has you stand on a block and "brags" about you to everyone there. He talks about all your accomplishments. What you have done in and out of high school, and what you have done for the pool.

I love bringing my friends with me.

River Road is also an amazing family pool. I have met so many little kids and they love it! I love seeing them grow, learning how to swim and getting excited about swim meets.

My little boyfriend

River Road is my second home. It has helped me grow as a person and I couldn't be more grateful. This pool is a part of me and always will be.