University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vol Diary - Maria Jugan
February 04, 2008 | Women's Swimming & Diving
In the past few weeks, this team has focused on a quality that is driving us toward the postseason with an amazing force: our strength. This strength is not so much a physical strength but an unbreakable bond among 23 girls. While strength is sometimes an inherent quality that can not always be seen, I believe the strength of this team is so powerful that it is clearly visible, not only to members of the team, but to others as well.
I see this strength in the way we step up on the blocks, with the confidence in my teammates??? faces knowing that the strength of the whole team is with them. I see it in the determination with which we approach the start of our races and the heart with which we finish our races. I see it in the belief that we carry into every meet and every practice- that we can accomplish anything. I see it in the impression we leave on every team we race.
For me personally, this strength drives me to put everything on the table each day because I know that there are 22 other girls doing exactly the same thing. I want to give everything I have to this team because while strength defines this team, it also defines each and every member of this team. In the same way that we shape the team, it shapes us also.
I have never before felt strength like this in any group. Because of this, I am excited about the possibilities of the coming weeks and the accomplishments we will achieve together as an incredibly strong team.
