From State Champs to Surprise Awards: Swimming Through a Season of Surreal Moments

Winning the 2024/2025 Coaches Award was one of the most unexpected moments this past spring. It came right after my team and I clinched our second State Championship together for McCallie Swim. Well, it was the third year in a row for McCallie, but the second year in a row for me with the team. Honestly, I was already over the moon just being part of such an incredible season again with my team. But then, to be called up for this award, I’m still trying to process it.

I didn’t see this coming at all, especially because of something that happened just last year. For the 2023/2024 season, I was deeply honored and humbled to receive the John Pataky Award. For those who might not know, the John Pataky Award is one of the highest honors in McCallie Swim. It doesn’t just recognize how you perform in the pool but also celebrates qualities like leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to the team. Earning that award meant so much to me because it was about what I brought to the team beyond just points or medals. It still feels surreal to have my name attached to it.

But because I’d received such an incredible honor last year, I didn’t think I’d be in the running for anything like that again so soon, especially not after that milestone. I mean, there are so many amazing athletes and teammates in our program who continuously show incredible dedication. It honestly felt like it was someone else’s turn. When I heard my name for the Coaches Award this year, I was shocked (and maybe a little awkward as I made my way to the stage).

The Coaches Award is special because it comes directly from the leaders who guide you day in and day out, who see you at your best and your worst, and who push you to reach beyond what you think is possible. For them to think I was deserving of this honor—man, it’s hard to put into words. It feels immense.

This award—and honestly, both awards—remind me how much I owe to my coaches and teammates. Without this team, none of it feels possible. Every practice, every pep talk, every time we cheered each other on during a close race, it all added up to something so much bigger than any individual achievement. I’m grateful to be a part of it.

Getting the chance to win State with these guys (not once, but twice!) is something that will always stay with me. And now, having these awards as part of that memory is even more meaningful. To my coaches and teammates—thank you. You’ve challenged me, supported me, and made me better in ways I didn’t even realize until now.

Here's to embracing these lessons and letting them shape everything I do from here on out!