Maggie Bids Farewell

ISwimming at Saint Mary’s has consisted much more than just swimming. I have made life-long friends who understand what I’m feeling when I say, “I feel slow in the water,” or “I dropped half a second in my 50!” I have learned that it’s hard to keep going, but even harder to quit. And, it may be hard to start something new, but it’s even harder to say good-bye. I have so many people to thank who have helped me along the way. Mom and Dad — thank you guys so much. You’ve been there whenever I’ve needed you. You have taught me how to work hard and give my best. Thank you for encouraging me and coming to my swim meets ... and Mom, eating with Eric at the caf! You’re both amazing role models for me and I love you so much! Bobby and Jimmy, thanks for being the best brothers any girl could ask for (not counting KC, ha ha). Bobby, I’m so glad you came to SMU this year, it’s been so much fun seeing you on campus and hanging out with you. I love you! Jimmy, thanks for always being there for me — and who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next swimmer in the Soucheray fam! I love you! To all the alumni — Linds, Becca, Sean (Who Der?), Tony, Jen, Travers, Abby, Heidi ... thanks for being awesome leaders for us and paving the way. Linds and Becca, thanks for the name! Don’t worry, I’m still BB Magee, thanks to Kasey. Our team is growing stronger and much of that growth is because of your dedication and leadership. To my moonlights ... where do I start?! Thank you for coming to my meets, supporting me and encouraging me to always do my best. You are the best friends a girl could have! From Guffman quotes (your favorite movie, KT!) to girl’s nights, I’ve had a blast. Thanks for everything, I love you, girls!! Katie, Erin and Jess, thank you for coming to my meets and supporting me. It means a lot to me that you came and cheered me on! Eric, thanks for coming to all my home meets and cheering for me. Your support and encouragement has meant so much to me. You’re the best!! What are you going to look at when you bike at 5:30 now? LP ... wow! Two years of lane partners, two years of amazing-ness!! You know me so well; if I have a bad day in the water, you know it. If I’m swimming well, you know it. Can you say America’s Next Top Model?? Oh, Tyra. LP, thanks for everything, you will always be my LP! Love ya! Toni, Toni, Toni! Remember freshman year, when we didn’t really talk?! My how the times have changed. Now we fight in the showers! Ha ha. But, seriously, you have become a great friend and I have loved swimming with you. Love you, girly! Mike, your dedication to both track and swimming is amazing. It has been awesome getting to know you! Co-ach! I KNOW you’re going to miss me! But, I’ve been meaning to tell you this. Something in the pool smells like ... like ... like ... up-dog! Do you smell it? I remember visiting SMU my senior year of high school and walking across the plaza with you and just feeling that I belonged here. And now, as I walk across the plaza, I think, “My last year ... this is it.” I know I wouldn’t have had the same experience at SMU if I didn’t choose to swim. Yes, morning practices were hell for me. Yes, dryland in Puerto Rico almost killed me. Yes, I got nervous for the meets — OK, really nervous. But, I have loved every second and will miss this so much. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to swim at SMU and the opportunity to swim for a great coach. Thank you. Coach Lester, Jamie, Mic and Brother Craig — thank you for all your help and support throughout the years. Mic, thanks for letting me explain every race to you before I swam it! Your sense of humor and encouragement helped me get through those hard sets! To my team: You have made this an amazing senior year for me. I have loved getting to know all of you. Joyce, thanks for all the dates! You have been a great teammate and friend. Thank you. Kase, “at first I was afraid, I was petrified ... don’t forget to shake it like a polaroid picture!” Make sure you keep up the singing and dancing tradition! Remember, “I am woman, hear me roar!” Danielle, my other lane buddy, thanks for all the great times and always putting a smile on my face. You taught me a huge lesson ... how to spoon! And for that, I am eternally grateful! I have been so lucky to swim with such an awesome team. Remember to keep your heads up, even when it’s hard. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming! Maybe my name never made it up on the boards. Maybe I never made finals at the MIAC. But, as I look back now, that’s OK. I’ve done my best, I’ve had so much fun, and I’ve made some amazing friends. That’s what counts.