Hammerheads and Families,

Thank you for another wonderful swim season! The weeks that make up swim team can be long and tiring (for swimmers and parents alike!), but the rewards are oh, so sweet! As I sat through the awards ceremony at the End of Season party, listening to all the great accomplishments of the swimmers, coaches, and team, I was filled with so much love and pride for our community.

Together, we recognized and celebrated the swimmers who swam their first lap of the pool by the end of the season. 18 year olds who swam their last laps as a Hammerhead. The swimmers who shaved off 30 seconds of their freestyle event. The swimmers who shaved off 1 second of their freestyle event. The swimmers who will go on to compete on the state team. The swimmers who jumped off the block for the first time. The MVPs (mvp! mvp! mvp!). The cheerleaders who stood next to the coaches at the meets and cheered on their teammates and caught heads during backstroke. Future coaches. Mini mes. Heart of the Hammerhead, and everything in between.

You could look around that night and see younger swimmers sitting in older swimmer's laps, friends sharing a towel, and swimmers beaming as they wore their new and beloved paper plate award.

Not to get too sentimental (too late), but I think this is what childhood dreams are made of. Core memories that they will hold onto for the rest of their lives. These kids believe in themselves, and they have a community that believes in them too. The memories made in our little corner of the world between Glenforest Road and a wall blocking I-285 are pure magic. It’s what keeps people coming back year after year.

As I told Nina and Olivia the other night, they have inherited a legacy of love and leadership as head coaches of the Hammond Hills Swim Team. I am so proud of them, and all the other 6 wonderful coaches, for the way that they continue to build upon that legacy.

A big thank you to all our families! The season cannot run without you! Thank you for the gift you gave me, and the memories of another great season. I look forward to seeing you all back next year!

With lots of love,

Kate

***The remaining ribbons have been filed in the ribbon boxes, located right behind the desk in the clubhouse. There are lots of paper plate awards and medals in the files too, for those who were unable to make it to the party. Please, as soon as you are able, go and get them. The boxes will be put away in storage after July 2nd.***