Know Your Swimming Monarchs: Why I Chose Swimming

Why swimming? We know student-athletes love their sport and are talented, but we often don't know why. We have asked that question, and Lindsay Neale, Gabby Tosi, Summer Sampson and Kinsey Rushevics tell us why they chose their sport.

Why Swimming
 
Gabby Tosi
I learned how to swim at six years old after watching my four older siblings excel in the sport! Watching them meet after meet, my siblings inspired me to continue in swimming and follow in their footsteps. I continued with it, because of how much fun I was having with my family/team. The way swimming challenges me not only physically but also mentally is just something no other sport can match. Swimming will forever be important to me due to how much it has impacted my life in countless ways. I am eternally grateful for the memories and friendships I have made through this sport. 
 
Summer Sampson
My dad is the reason I started swimming. Everyday from the time I was months old, my dad had me in the pool. He taught me to love the water. By the time I was four years old, because three was too young, he signed me up for a summer league team. Although I played many other sports such as field hockey and soccer, I kept swimming because I love how the sport is individual, but not at the same time. It's up to you, individually, how you swim an event, but comes down to the team to win a meet. Another reason why I stuck with swimming is how competitive you get, not just with others but yourself as well. As a swimmer, I always aim to continuously lower my times, and to achieve perfect technique. Swimming is important to me because it has been apart of my life since I can remember, and it's given me some of the best memories and friends that will last a lifetime. 
 
Kinsey Rushevics
When I was six years old, my mom forced me to give swimming a try with our summer club team. After that summer, I never looked back because I fell in love with the sport right away.
 
Lindsey Neale
I started swimming at a very young age and I fell in love with the sport. My whole family swims and so it has just been something we have always done. Swimming is important to me because it has always been something I am passionate about and proud of and most importantly, I've made amazing friends through the years that keep me going.