If swim practice started at 6:00 a.m., my group was in the water at 5:59 a.m. The desire to be better pushed us to our limits each day and we bonded this year over painful sets, Friday Flyday and Christmas training. We all had moments where we wanted to kill Coach Jeff, at least I did, but I knew that in the end, this was where I was meant to be. Without those horrible practices, we would not have become the team we are today. This is the hardest working group I have ever practiced with –my teammates pushed me every day. I could not have imagined a better group of people to swim with eighteen hours a week.
During the school year, I was stressed about my classes all the time, but I would look forward to swim practice and TAC became a second home to me. I would sit in my last period English class watching the minutes go by on the clock, dying to be in the pool. My teammates became my family, and together we made each other keep going, no matter how demanding the set was. I cannot describe how much this year meant to me, it was the best season of my life. There were sets that I wouldn’t have made it through without my group.
At the Tom Dolan meet, it was Sage who encouraged me and helped add entertainment to a hard meet. On Christmas Eve, Taylor was the one who pushed me on that last set of 8×800’s. I don’t know if I would have kept going if it hadn’t been for her in the lane next to me, swimming the set as if it where nothing. The day before everyone left for the Eastern Classic, Haley and I suffered together through a set of 20×200’s on the 2:20, and without her that set would have become a 2000 straight. She made me give the extra effort and sprint every 200. In a set of 5×800’s it would be Sierra who would swim side-by-side with me and help me race a set I never thought I would get through. Paige was there to get me excited for my sprint races and Savannah would always be ready to race in a distance set. These people, and many more, are the ones who made my year so wonderful. The end of the season came up on me so fast, but the memories of this year will stay with me forever.
Shannon Scovel, you are the hardest worker I have ever met! 8×300 fly, 20×200 free, the mile, getting back in after practice to finish sets… you were definetly great entertainment and inspiration… I don’t know how I’m going to survive next season without you in my group:(. When you show up at 5black practices, I want you to challenge that group and no matter what… go the distance:)
Shannon that is so ture. This was the best year ever. You were the one that helped me finish a hard set. Without you and your singing I don’t know what I would have done. Now even know that you are moving up don’t forget to go the distance for that one moment in time everyday because its a great day to be alive.:))) Now remember don’t become a slacker, I dont to worry that much. Shannon Scovel a slacker no way so just make sure to keep sage in line for me. Thanks so helping me go the distance this year. I will miss you so much but I know that I look over and you will be red faced.
I will try to keep everyone in line for you. 
<3