It has been over a year since I hung up my cap and goggles. After 11 years of swimming competitively, my swim "career" had come to an end. Now as a summer swim instructor, I look back at the kids and see the little girl I once was, enthusiastic about the sport I love so much.

I miss the anticipation of practice. I would plan out my homework and dinner around my 2 and a half hours in the pool.

I miss my swim family – the friends and coaches I would talk to every afternoon on deck or the little time we had on the wall before our next swim set.

I miss my relay teams where we stood on the pool deck cheering even if we were out of breath from our leg.

I miss the miles and miles I swam each day, no matter if I liked the set or not.

I miss the coaches I didn’t like as much just because they pushed me the most.

I miss my favorite coaches because I always want to make them proud in and out of the water.

I miss how every time I dove into the pool any thoughts or worries I had drifted away and my focus was on the practice or race.

I miss the early-morning practices (kind of) that made you feel like you accomplished something before the sun comes up.

I miss the feeling of finally beginning taper after a long season and having so much energy.

I miss the feeling of being fast in the water and looking up at the scoreboard and seeing your best time.

Swimming, we had a lot of ups and downs from friendships, to 100x100s to championships to my shoulder injury (that’s a whole other story). Even the downs really aren’t the downs. They made the close relays, races, personal bests all worth it in the end.

You gave me the best coaches who helped me fall in love with the sport even more, and who believed in me. You've seen me at my worst and best. My worst when I didn’t swim a great time or when my shoulder was in so much pain that I couldn't even take one stroke without it hurting me. But the best was when I just made a new personal best time, anchored my relay, or saw my coaches cheering me on.

Thank you for everything you taught me from time management to self-discipline.

All those memories are stored in my heart, my times, and in pictures. Thank you to all those who helped me along my journey. I wouldn't be who I am without you.