A Day in the Life, Kelly Zahalka, Day 5

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, January 27. IN her final entry in the "A Day in the Life" series on SwimmingWorldMagazine.com, Navy sophomore Kelly Zahalka writes about the end-of-week practice format at Navy as well as the emotions building up for the last dual meet of the season.

We would like to take time out to congratulate and thank Kelly for such an amazing run in the series. We all had fun reading about the Navy way, and are encouraged that great people like Kelly are willing to go into harm's way to protect our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Thank you for a wonderful week, Kelly.

Friday, January 26, 2007, Day 5
Friday mornings I usually go to a special "invite only" practice, which is just the coaches' way of making us distance swimmers feel special about having to go to practice when the sprinters sleep in; however, Coach Morrison allowed me to get some extra rest to prepare for the meet on Saturday, since I'm still feeling the effects of the screener. I slept in until 0830 which is practically unheard of at this school. I just had two morning classes, Strengths of Materials and Chinese.

The team lifted for the second time this week at lunch. We have two separate weights routines. One focuses on the lower body while the other mostly works our upper body. The lifts we perform require coordination of the entire body, much like swimming.

After lunch, I had Weapons class and then it was off to the pool. On Fridays, we usually warm-up, have an endurance set, and then do stations. This type of practice allows us to work on the small things that make a huge difference in dual meets, like turns and finishes. Being out-touched for the win in a dual meet means a 10-point swing. At one station, we do a running dive off the bulkhead to gain speed, take 3-5 strokes and then flip-turn. We focus on getting our feet properly planted and making tight streamlines off the wall. At another station, we use cords where we swim out as far as we can, take 10 strokes then pull ourselves on the lane line to the other end. From there, our partner pulls us into the wall. I love getting pulled in because I can focus on making my body as streamlined as possible while swimming to minimize resistance. Going that fast really helps you feel where to catch the water. Our final station uses fins and paddles to work on driving our legs and arms hard while keeping our core body aligned. Stations are a great way for the team to mix things up and get pumped for the meets on Saturdays.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is already the last dual meet of the season and marks the half-way point of my college swimming career. For our Firsties, they are racing for the last time in a dual meet setting with the Navy Blue and Gold on their suits and caps. I can't even imagine the emotions that they are going through; I know how much this team and this school mean to me already as just a Youngster (sophomore). When the days drag on, or I am just so physically tired, I know that I can walk out on that pool deck and have the full support of 30 wonderful ladies and two awesome coaches.

Swimming at the Naval Academy has been an experience I would never trade. Our team works towards winning meets, racing tough and enjoying the sport, but when it comes down to it, we recognize that we are all working for something even larger than our swimming careers. We get in the pool each day, push through each set and encourage each other because we have a bond unlike any other. As I look back on the last two years, what I remember aren't the races I've won or the teams we've beaten; what I remember are the dedicated girls who have made such a difference in my life. Some of us will be fighting overseas in a few years, while others may serve state-side. No matter where we end up, we know that we will always be there for one another.

The Naval Academy has made me appreciate swimming more than I ever thought possible. Walking onto the pool deck is like a haven away from the stresses of academics and military obligations. It is a chance for me to wear a pink Hawaiian suit after being in a black uniform all day, to sing and dance with the team, to be in a place where I am comfortable and supported. For me, the draw to the Naval Academy was not the great education or solid athletics (although those are definitely a bonus), it was the people. My interest in attending began when two guys from my high school, who are two years older than me, decided to go to USNA. The next year, another friend from school and two friends from my club team went off to the Academy. On the Navy team now I have one girl, Lauren Milliron, and two boys who went to the same high school as me, as well as two boys from my home club team. I had the utmost respect for all of them back in high school, and it did not take long for me to realize that the Naval Academy was where I wanted to be, because I wanted to share that camaraderie and close bond with people like them as my teammates and fellow members of the Brigade. I sit here tonight and I honestly can't imagine being anywhere else.

While it is impossible to convey all the things that go on here, I hope these few entries gave you some insight into the life of a swimmer at the Naval Academy. I had a great time sharing this week with you all! Best of luck this season!

Go Navy!

Kelly

P.S. If you are interested in learning more about Naval Academy Athletics, please go to www.navysports.com.

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