University of Tennessee Athletics
LADY VOL SWIMMING & DIVING DIARIES - BETSY BROCKMAN
December 13, 2005 | Women's Swimming & Diving
Dec. 13, 2005
As a senior on the Lady Volunteer swimming and diving team, I am entering the final months of my swimming career. I watched as those before me struggled with the emotions that come with facing the end of such a priceless opportunity, but honestly, I never thought I would endure the same feelings. I was certain that after working so hard for so many years that the end would be a "reward." As the times have turned, however, I am finally able to see things from a different perspective.
I have not had the best physical luck during my collegiate swimming career. Suffering illness and injury, the sport provided little personal gratification and as a result I nearly lost the desire to compete. It has taken a dramatic coaching change, an inspiring group of freshmen and a new outlook on life for me to truly understand how much I have been blessed. Not only have I learned what it takes to endure the pain of failure, but also how to rally and overcome any obstacle that falls in my path. I have certainly cried tears of despair, but I will always remember the tears of joy cried after watching my teammates succeed. Through such precious moments I have learned that the friendships I have gained as a Lady Vol are everlasting. Without the opportunity to compete for this program, I do not feel that I would have ever discovered my potential, both in and out of athletics.
As I enter the home stretch of my swimming career at the University of Tennessee, I cherish each day, each workout and each opportunity to improve. I thank my teammates for their dedication, hard work, support and friendship. Through the trust of my coaches (both past and present) I have learned to trust myself, and for that, I am forever thankful.
On my recruiting trip, I thought Tennessee was the place for me; after four years, I know it was meant to be.
