Yorktown, Indiana is the place I have called “home” for 18 years of my life. Considering that I am 19 years old, this town has truly taught me just about everything I know. People, places, and events through my life have shaped me into the young woman I am today. And through it all, the YMCA has played a role.
In 2009, around the age of 5, I was completely against swimming. Any type of water that did not involve bubbles or a rubber duck was irrelevant to me. Yet, my mother, Molly Day, was certain that some aquatic skills would make both of our lives easier. Through the YMCA, I was quickly signed up for swimming lessons. My instructor was one of the most patient and kind souls who deserves much praise for the aquatic success I now hold. Her name was Kalene Heckman. Kalene has been with the YMCA for many years and even hosts her own cycling classes at the YMCA of Yorktown in present day. Kalene braved those few weeks with me and dedicated her time to help me become the athlete I am today.
A few short years later in 2012, My older sister Morgan had joined the swim team at Nassau Swim Club which encouraged me to join as well. My parents had braved through those hot summer evenings to come and support our “swimming” which, at that age, had really looked more like a stylish way of not drowning. Sure enough, I swam that season and had made some friends out of my teammates who were my age. I had no clue those friends would continue to guide me through life 12 years later.
As I started to become more familiar with swimming and its rules, I would eventually join the Yorktown Swim Club. My coach, Tyler Dongess, was an inspiration to me and all of my young, 9-year-old, teammates. He had a childlike sense of wonder which was very appealing to me. We bonded very well as he guided me through many challenges such as my first swim meet and also many accomplishments such as making numerous championship teams throughout my younger teen years. This then guided me through middle school swimming and eventually high school swim team with Tony Santino.
I then went on to swim for my high school all four years; two of which I was a team captain alongside my lifelong friend, Maria Alexander. I now attend Purdue University and I am a part of their swim club and have qualified for Nationals. I have been an active coach at Yorktown Swim Club where I got my start for two years now. I am doing my best to give back to the community that gave me so much. The skills that Kalene taught me 14 years ago have been the most influential step of my swimming career. I have now been an active athlete for USA swimming for over ten years. I have made lifelong friendships through my sport and memories that will last me a lifetime.