Toni Bids Farewell

IEvery year, right before conference, Coach requests an “interview” with each person on the team in which you go though a series of questions. One question asked this year that sticks out in my mind is, “Have you changed at all?” My response was along the lines of, “Yeah, I have ... .” And how could I not?!? These past four years have been a rollercoaster of events that will affect me for the rest of my life. Freshman year was, well, freshman year. You learn a lot about yourself, and you make that first transition of living on your own, meeting new people, and some valuable lessons that have nothing to do with academics. Sophomore year: No one can forget “the year of the wrist.” Many people take for granted that they are able to swim, this year I couldn’t. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done. Of course at some point and time everyone wishes they could kick through an entire practice, but when you have no other choice — 50 x 50’s on .50 sounds amazing, trust me. Junior year: I had the chance to team up again with an old teammate and together, I believe, we had a pretty amazing season. Now, I’m in my last year and I have to write this Salute to those who have affected my swim career at Saint Mary’s. I have learned a lot these past four years about myself and the amazing people here at Saint Mary’s and while I wish I could acknowledge everyone, there are a few key people who deserve a special thanks. First, Mom and Pop: I owe you the biggest thanks of all. When I first started swimming some 15 years ago, I’m sure waking up early in the morning to drive to practices and meets — sometimes more than an hour away — was not what you had in mind, but thanks for supporting me though it all. Not many people can, or would, put up with me and my emotional escapades after those rough practices or meet, but I appreciate all of it. Gina, Jenny, Joe, and Amy: You are the best siblings anyone could have. You have all in different ways taught me the meaning of hard work and perseverance. To all of the parents who came to our meets: Mrs. Soucheray (my adopted swim meet Mom), the Joyce’s, and Schultz’s, thanks — it means so much to look up and see you in the stands. Brian: As many, at times I would love to just strangle you, you were my rock sophomore year. I don’t know if I ever told you how thankful I was for taking me to my last dr. appt. when I found out I would be needing surgery. I know that sometimes we have had disagreement, but without you in the next lane over, it just wouldn’t be the same. Your sense of humor is one of a kind and I will never forget when you and Gerry came to visit me in the hospital after my second surgery. (If you don’t know the story, just imagine Brian and Gerry walking in dressed up in surgeon masks and wearing gloves … need I say more?) You are an amazing friend and I am lucky to have had the chance to swim with you. Kasey: I’m glad I’ve gotten a chance to share a lane these last two years, although I know you would have preferred circle swimming. It’s amazing how, in swimming, you can get an entire story in between rests or during a kick set and we got a lot of stories in. “Underwater storm trooper space aliens.” Need I say more other than, “thank you for all the talks and memories?” Margaret (Mags) and Kelsey (the best friends that anyone could ask for on a team): I’m so happy that we have become friends these last few years. Words can’t describe all the memories I have shared with the two of you. Thanks for all the hugs, support, and enthusiasm in and out of the pool. Mags, we made if four years! Kelsey, I’m glad you decided to swim sophomore year. N.L.P’s you are the best. And thanks for letting me be your honorary goat. To past swimmers: SMU swimming and diving is special because “team” doesn’t mean only those who are current swimmers, the team extends far beyond this. I’ve been lucky to have met a lot of Saint Mary’s swimmers. A lot of times there are things you just can’t explain to someone who is not a swimmer, and can only explain it by saying, “it’s a swimmer thing.” Many of my favorite memories of swimming include Saint Mary’s swim alum and some Highlife. I also know that the memories I’d like to forget, you will never let me live down. You have also taught me some valuable lessons about college, and there is never a dull moment when you visit. For example: Don’t leave lighters around a guy name Kyle when he’s been drinking or if someone tells you their ice cream smells, it’s a good idea just to believe them and not smell it. But seriously, you have also taught me that sometimes change is okay and for that thank you to Sean, Becca, and Lindsay. To everyone else who has supported me in my swim career: Ally, Amanda, Mary Ann, Dani, Brytton and everyone else helped me through the rough times. Thanks. Chuck — who I don’t think before meeting me, had ever been to a swim meet let a lone a water polo match. Thanks for sticking by me these last few months. I also owe a big thanks to Kevin Logue: Between shoulders, and my wrist you kept me swimming my best. You were assets to Saint Mary’s and especially the swim team while here and I know you are greatly missed. Coach Mic: Thanks for sticking around for a 2nd year. J.J.: There is still time to get you back for the pranks you played last year. Lastly Co – ach: You have not only been my coach these last four years, but you have become a friend. I’m not sure if I have mentioned to you before but my junior year of high school if you would have asked if I was going to swim in college I would have thought you were insane. I have come a long way since then. The program that you have developed here is not only for the elite but the elite swimmers at heart. Thank you for reminding me what swimming is all about. Current swimmers there will be times that you want very little to do with someone on the team, but like it or not without them the idea of team may not exist. Swimming is only partly an individual sport; you need that push, support, and motivation from the people around you to succeed. Thank you for your support this year and good luck with all your future swims. There are so many things that I wish I could mention, or make note of, but there just isn’t enough time, space, or can’t think of the right words to say. Face scrub in the hair, X’s moms pound cake, naps on the couch in coach’s office (I mean the swimmer office), apple fork, Thanksgiving dinners, bus rides, after conference parties, Coach using the word shnockered up, water polo, FlorDia, Puerto Rico, and everything in between is what makes swimming at Saint Mary’s so special. To answer your question coach: “If you can’t use your arms – Kick, if you can’t Kick – Pull, if you have the ability to swim – SWIM. It’s worth it in the end.” Toni (F.Y.I I mean A.K.A… Jables, To- Nigrelli 2007, T-Nig’s, Nigrelli)