SwimSwam welcomes reader submissions about all topics aquatic, and if it’s well-written and well-thought, we might just post it under our “Shouts from the Stands” series. We don’t necessarily endorse the content of the Shouts from the Stands posts, and the opinions remain those of their authors. If you have thoughts to share, please send [email protected].
This “Shouts from the Stands” submission comes from Regan Nolan, a junior transfer student at Catawba College.
I recently read a something that stated “we are making this generation weak by allowing athletes to transfer and not stick it out and earn their spot”
Which inspired me to tell my story –
In May of 2016 I graduated high school and had the anxious jitters of what was to come as I ventured into a new chapter of my life: college swimming. I was leaving behind the comfort of club swimming, including best friends and coaches I’ve known my whole life for the complete unknown. This also fulfilling a ten year dream of a little girl who once wore a yellow YMCA cap and wrote “eat my bubbles” on her shoulder at the age of 8. I had a standard set for college swimming in my mind from those I’ve looked up to before – unbreakable bonds with teammates, tropical training trips and the raw intensity of conference championships.
Unfortunately, my first year of college swimming did not reach most to any of those standards . It was filled with tears, let down and a program that would eventually be cut from the university. I felt a whole new darkness for the sport, one that spiraled into thinking this could be the end of my career.
The word “transfer” is a scary one though, right? It’s almost kind of a negative in the sports world. And a word that definitely never even crosses your mind as a new eager college freshmen. How does one leave behind 9 months of familiarity and home to have to up and restart, again?
I can remember the whole spring of making the decision to officially use the “t” word. I fought myself on it, guilting my brain into trying to stay at a school that made me miserable because doing IT all over again seemed unimaginable.
But I did it. And it was the BEST decision I could have ever made.
I sit now as a junior reflecting as a whole on the year after being a transfer and I feel very at peace. The year was not all easy though and it took me a few months to feel the happiness refill my heart.
I write this because as I saw that statement I wanted athletes to know it’s okay to transfer. It’s okay the decision you made did not work out as you planned and a new one is upon you. This is your journey, and your athletic career. Honestly, a transfer is one of the hardest things to be in athletics so let’s not discourage those going through the process. Transferring does not mean one did not work hard to earn a spot, or fought with a coach, it’s such a misconception. It’s a person wanting to find the passion they once had for being a college athlete. Its already hard enough to leave everything you know but then to have someone criticize you when they do not know your story or the emotional stress you went through.
My last words to that college athlete struggle is always follow your heart. That little girl or boy is in there trying to find the passion that once lit up your face at your first meet. It’s okay to be sad but know that new people and friends can always be found but love for the sport cannot.
Good luck on your journey,
A fellow transfer.
About Regan Nolan
I grew up in Columbus, OH swimming competitively there for 12 years until heading to Wheeling Jesuit University for college swimming. After spending a year there, I transferred to Catawba College in North Carolina where I am now currently a junior studying Business Communications and swim mid-distance freestyle.
I really needed this right now. Thank you so much!
Awww im so glad I could write some words that spoke to the heart. I know it’s hard to go through but just remember your heart normally knows what it needs!! Good luck to you
Where is this “we are making this generation weak by allowing athletes to transfer and not stick it out and earn their spot” article?
The objective is to participate in a sport and to get the most out of it. If you what strength of character go to North Korea and commmit a crime and get caught.
As well, it serves nobody to stay in a program that is not meeting your needs.
I learned the hard way to listen to my instinct by sticking it out and then quitting the team at the start of my SENIOR year when as a freshman, I realized how toxic the atmosphere was.
My advice to collegiate swimmers: If you don’t fully believe your coach is looking out for your best interest (including the best interest of your teammates) and his coaching is tearing the team apart, don’t think twice about starting the transfer process… save your college swimming career. Don’t end up like me looking back and realizing years later that you actually hated nearly the whole experience. You should be selfish about the decision to transfer or not to transfer. It’s your life,… Read more »
This is a great statement
I transferred after my freshman year and it was the best move for me. My first duel meet for Florida I did a best time in the 1000. My first choice was just not right for me. Sometimes you just have to make a change.
I wrote this article and reading this comment made me smile from ear to ear. I’m so so happy for you!!!!
While I think it’s great for a swimmer to transfer if they are unhappy, before doing so and upending one’s life (as the post discusses), they should examine what is truly making them unhappy. The first year of college is tough for everyone and a lot of unhappiness can come from that difficult transition. Also, an individual may be suffering from depression or anxiety that can be addressed with treatment and wouldn’t be resolved by transferring. The last thing you want to do is transfer and still be unhappy. Just some things to keep in mind when considering taking the leap.
I know I am going to get a bunch of down arrows for this post, but …
We have transferred between different age group clubs 3 times in the last year and a half. We do not regret any of the changes, they were all the right changes at the right time. We have now found our home and we could not be happier.
There’s really nothing wrong with changing teams. It’s when families think that the team and coaching staff needs to change to fit them is when disruption and drama come to the forefront. It is perfectly fine for a family to try to find a team culture that fits their beliefs and expectations. Unfortunately, you are fortunate that there are many teams in your area to choose from.
I can’t help myself.
How many times have you made that same exact statement in the past year and a half?
That is a fair question. At the first move we would have assumed we would have been at that club for a while. At the second move we knew it was not likely to be permanent
All clubs have their strengths and weaknesses. Somtetimes you are not aware of them until after you join. As well it is a learning experience, knowing what to look for.
3 is a lot..
I agree.
This is his 4th year of swimming and those are his only moves. I am pretty sure we will be staying put for a while.
The experience may also be useful in your career after college. Knowing when you should move on to better opportunities.
The Benedict Arnold!