Emma Jeppesen '23 Recruiting Profile

The adrenaline is pumping. Swimmers crowd around behind the blocks, as the announcer makes a call for the next event. "Last call for event 13!" Light chatter fills the pool, as competitors anxiously await the arrival of their event. I walk towards the block. Snapping my goggles over my eyes, I pulled my swim cap down over my ears. Time for the 50 freestyle. Tingles ran down my spine as I stepped forward. "Swimmers behind your block."

The classic scenario at a swim meet. People rushing around, teammates crowding the edge of the pool to cheer for their swimmers. It gets your heart going and the blood pumping. Whether I am behind the block or in the crowd cheering for my team, I am always ready to dive in.  Screaming for teammates and empowering them to do their best will also make you better. Improving in your sport is never easy, but encouraging your fellow swimmers helps encourage you. Pushing and cheering for the swimmers next to you can be what separates athletes and teams from the rest. If the person swimming next to you swims faster, it pushes you to go faster.