Freshman year of high school, I was at the point in my life where I felt competitive swimming was not right for me. Two to three hour practices nightly and swim meets on the weekends consumed my free time. But I stuck with it, through my pain. Being a part of Lake Country Phoenix was something I was proud of and I am so glad I stuck with the sport. Swimming gave me lifelong best friends, presented me with challenges and helped shape me into the person I am today. 

Mark Johnson a.k.a MJ, worked as my club coach for four and a half years; he helped me through ups and downs. The past high school swim season had its peaks and valleys, laughs and tears. My grades were not where I wanted them to be and this put me in a difficult spot because I was busy swimming fast and getting the times I needed to make it to state. But it started to hit me that college is coming and that I need good grades for my transcripts. I broke down. MJ was there at my side comforting me and telling me, “Things are going to work out—just give it time.” 

I looked forward to seeing MJ at Saturday practices during high school season because I let go and spoke my mind; he would sit and listen. It's nice knowing I had a coach that can relate to me. MJ is understanding and down to earth and knows when people have had a rough day. 

I have to give him credit because I know how difficult it must be for him to have to deal with 20 teenagers in the pool every night. MJ is one of those people who loves to have fun, whether it's making jokes or throwing a ball around the pool; but when we need to work, he puts his hands down and makes us work. For me a good balance of work and fun is what is needed to succeed and MJ does this perfectly. 

Everyone should be able to have a coach or leader in their life that is as dedicated and caring as MJ. He is up at the break of dawn every Friday to coach us before school, he gives feedback to help us improve, he's at the side of the pool whistling and he's got my back through the good and bad times. 

MJ is a role model, a coach who people look up to. He shows us he cares about us and everyone is appreciative of that. Not only do you help us to learn about swimming, but you have taught us life lessons. You have been someone I have looked up to and have trusted and I will forever be thankful for that. 

Even though I will not be continuing my swim career into college, MJ, thank you for everything you have done for me throughout my swimming career. For the laughs and the cries, for helping me grow as a person and for pushing me to my limits. You truly have been such an inspiration in my life for me over the past 4 and a half years and I am so thankful for all that you have done for me and this team.