7 Things I Learned At My First College Championship Meet

Photo Courtesy: America East

By Chandler Brandes, Swimming World College Intern

And just like that, my freshman season is complete.

It went by fast. It seems like August was just yesterday and I was a clueless freshman trying to navigate the world of being a collegiate student-athlete.

There have been many yards swum, a fair share of bad races, and a few tears here and there. But there have also been so many laughs, lifelong friendships made, and countless lessons learned.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a clueless freshman, but one that now has a full season of college swimming behind her.

Here are 7 things I learned at my first college championship meet…

1. Actions speak louder than words.

Sometimes, things don’t always work out how you expect it to. However, how you handle yourself when faced with adversity speaks wonders to not only you as an athlete, but to you as a person. It’s okay to be nervous, but it’s important to remind yourself that you are confident and can perform well under pressure. In the end, it’s always best to let your swimming do the talking.

Photo Courtesy: America East

2. How you feel is completely irrelevant.

As my coach often reminds us, how we feel is irrelevant. Tired? So is the swimmer next to you. Sore? So are the rest of your teammates. Racing hurts―if it doesn’t, you should probably be going faster. At Championships, you have to trust your training and your taper, and you have to keep pushing and fighting to get your hand on the wall first.

Photo Courtesy: America East

3. Focus on what you can control.

You can’t control the swimmer next you, the temperature of the pool, or the teams around you. You can, however, control what you do mentally and physically to prepare yourself to race your best. Your energy and focus needs to be on what you’re doing, not what others are doing. Focusing on the process is much more beneficial than focusing on the outcome.

4. Take pride in your team.

As a student-athlete, you represent not only yourself, but your team and school, which is something to be extremely proud of. In college, you no longer swim for yourself; you do it for your team. For me, some of my favorite moments were watching my teammates swim. I train next to them every day, and watching them achieve their goals and have the swims of their lives is an incredible feeling. Not having a voice for a few days after the meet was completely worth it.

Photo Courtesy: America East

5. You have so much support.

Nothing compares to the feeling when you touch the wall and hear your teammates scream and cheer for you even before you look up at the scoreboard. Having a team who loves and supports you, along with family and friends up in the stands, is nothing to be taken for granted, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Photo Courtesy: Chandler Brandes

6. Attitude is everything.

A negative attitude can spread through a team faster than a 50 free. Having a positive attitude, despite how you may be feeling, is key to both individual and team success. Naturally, there will be highs and lows throughout the meet. It’s okay to be upset if you have a bad swim, but do not let that affect your other races or your teammates’ races. Attitudes are indeed contagious, and a positive one makes the meet more enjoyable for everyone.

7. Swimming (or diving) in college is an experience like no other.

After months and months of hard training, finally getting to race (and shave) is the fun part. My college conferences was by far the most fun meet I have ever been to, and I know the memories will last a lifetime. Twenty years from now, I’m not going to remember what pace I held in the 1650 or what my time in the 400 IM was, but I will remember the bus rides to and from the pool, dancing on the pool deck, and all the laughs shared with my team.

And the best part? I have three more years.

Photo Courtesy: Chandler Brandes

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John Brandes

8 years ago

Great Article Chandler Congratulations on a fantastic season

Melinda Antonucci Mathieu

8 years ago

Congratulations Chandler – so proud of you!