As one chapter closes and another begins, we pause to celebrate the extraordinary student-athletes who have defined resilience, excellence, and camaraderie in our swim and dive program. These remarkable individuals have left an indelible mark on their teammates, their coaches, their university, and the sport they love. Today, we honor our graduating seniors—those who have given everything from early-morning practices to late-night study sessions, balancing the grind of collegiate athletics with the pursuit of academic excellence.
This isn’t just a farewell. It’s a heartfelt thank you, a standing ovation, and a rallying cry for what’s next.
Building Legacy in the Pool and Beyond
Every stroke and every dive, every record broken, every cheer from the stands—it all adds up to a legacy. And this senior class leaves behind a legacy worth celebrating.
For four years (or more, for those who redshirted or returned after COVID seasons), these graduates have stood tall through every triumph and setback. They’ve competed in conference championships, NCAA regionals, and national meets. They’ve helped set school records, earned All-American honors, and led underclassmen by example. But beyond the accolades, it’s the leadership and love of the sport that truly define this group.
Each swimmer and diver came into this program as a teenager full of potential. They leave as mature, confident adults—role models for the generations to come.
Senior Spotlights: Stories of Triumph and Transformation
Let’s take a moment to highlight some of the standout seniors who have made our swim and dive team so unforgettable.
Emma Caldwell – Freestyle Specialist
Emma came into the program as a shy freshman from a small town and leaves as a conference champion and school record holder in the 200 freestyle. Known for her quiet leadership and relentless work ethic, Emma embodied the “team-first” mentality that every coach dreams of. A biology major with a minor in environmental science, she’s headed to graduate school to pursue a career in marine biology—fitting for someone who’s spent her life in the water.
“Emma was our anchor—in every sense of the word,” said head coach Lindsay Barrett. “Whether it was anchoring a relay or anchoring the locker room culture, she’s irreplaceable.”
Jake Henderson – Butterfly and IM Ace
Jake’s journey wasn’t linear. After battling through shoulder surgery and a tough sophomore slump, he bounced back to become one of the most consistent scorers in dual meets. His final season was his best yet, culminating in a personal-best time at the conference meet and a surprise qualification for NCAA nationals.
Jake, a mechanical engineering major, accepted a position with a leading aerospace firm. “Swimming taught me how to keep pushing when the design fails or the prototype breaks,” he said. “I’ve learned resilience that will last a lifetime.”
Amara Liu – Platform Diving Phenom
Hailing from California, Amara brought a West Coast flair to our dive team. She had no collegiate experience on the platform until her sophomore year, but with fierce determination, she earned conference podium finishes and was named an NCAA Zone qualifier. Her artistry, poise, and focus made her a standout not only on the board but in the classroom as well. She’ll graduate summa cum laude with a degree in psychology.
“Amara made our entire team believe that the impossible was within reach,” said diving coach Brent Saunders. “Her courage is contagious.”
Beyond Medals: Academic Excellence and Community Impact
While the accomplishments in the pool and on the boards are noteworthy, this class also excelled in the classroom. Multiple members of the graduating class earned academic all-conference honors, and the team as a whole maintained one of the highest GPAs among all athletic programs at the university.
Seniors led tutoring groups, mentored incoming freshmen, and volunteered with local charities. Whether it was organizing swim clinics for local kids, participating in environmental cleanup efforts, or volunteering at the local food bank, our swim and dive seniors embraced their role as community ambassadors.
The team’s student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) was chaired by none other than senior breaststroker Tyler Moore, who championed mental health resources for athletes and coordinated wellness workshops throughout the academic year. His voice became one of leadership not just for his team, but for the entire athletic department.
Coach’s Corner: Reflecting on a Special Class
Head coach Lindsay Barrett, who has led the program for the past eight seasons, got emotional when asked about this senior class.
“They’ve been through so much—COVID shutdowns, virtual classes, empty stadiums, and all the uncertainty that came with it. And yet they never lost heart. They held each other accountable and lifted each other up. They’ve taught me as much as I’ve taught them.”
Barrett added, “This class will be remembered not just for their performance but for their passion, for how they made their teammates better, and how they left the program in a better place than they found it.”
Senior Superlatives: Celebrating the Spirit of the Class
To add a bit of fun to our tribute, we asked coaches and teammates to weigh in on a few senior superlatives:
- Most Likely to Become a Coach: Abby Reyes (backstroke specialist with an eye for technique and a heart for mentorship)
- Most Spirited Teammate: Jordan Singh (distance swimmer known for rallying locker room playlists and pre-meet chants)
- Most Inspirational Comeback: Kayla Thompson (overcame a serious car accident to return for her senior season)
- Best Team Chef: Liam O’Connor (his post-practice burrito bowls were legendary)
- Biggest Future World-Changer: Nina Patel (double major in political science and public health, heading to Washington D.C. for a fellowship)
From Poolside to the World Stage: Where They’re Headed
Graduation is just the beginning. Here’s a glimpse of what lies ahead for some of our remarkable seniors:
- Medical School Acceptances: Emma Caldwell (Marine Biology), Nate Carlson (Pre-Med/Neuroscience)
- Tech Careers: Jake Henderson (Aerospace Engineering), Riley Jacobs (Data Science, heading to Google)
- Law and Advocacy: Nina Patel (Public Policy), Kayla Thompson (Human Rights Law)
- Graduate School and Research: Amara Liu (Cognitive Psychology), Tyler Moore (Sports Psychology)
- Coaching and Athletics: Abby Reyes and Jordan Singh both accepted assistant coaching roles with youth clubs in their hometowns
They’re headed to new cities, new challenges, and new victories—but they will always be part of the swim and dive family.
Parting Words from the Seniors
In their own words, here’s what some of the seniors had to say in their farewell reflections:
Emma Caldwell: “I came here just wanting to be part of something. I leave with a second family.”
Jake Henderson: “Every 5 a.m. alarm, every missed party, every painful practice—it was all worth it for the people I got to do it with.”
Amara Liu: “The diving board became my sanctuary. This program gave me the freedom to grow and the space to fly.”
Tyler Moore: “The biggest wins don’t come with medals. They come with knowing you gave your best, every day.”
One Last Lap
As they take their final lap—figuratively and literally—we send off our swim and dive graduates with gratitude and pride. Their journey doesn’t end with the final whistle or the last buzzer. Instead, it transforms.
They are future doctors, engineers, coaches, lawyers, innovators, and changemakers. They’ll carry the lessons of this program into boardrooms, operating rooms, and courtrooms. They’ll continue to chase greatness—because that’s who they are.
So to our graduates: thank you. Thank you for your sweat, your smiles, your leadership, and your loyalty. Thank you for making us believe in the power of dedication, unity, and grit.
We can’t wait to see what you do in your next chapter. And remember—once a swimmer, always a swimmer. Once a diver, always a diver. And forever a part of this team.
