Dear Gator Parents, Alums and Fans,
I wanted to post a note to say Hi to all of The Allegheny Swimming and Diving Supporters. I am just beginning to see all the great benefits of Allegheny. I have begun meeting with the athletic department staff, current assistant coaches and some of the swimmers. I am inspired by the positive attitudes I have been greeted with. I think this bodes well for the upcoming season. Change can often be a rocky road, but with the positive attitudes and energy I’ve experienced so far this change is going to be great!
As I was driving to Meadville to search for housing I kept thinking back to when I first left home for college. I had so many anxieties about starting my freshman year, leaving home and family. However, once I arrived on campus I realized my anxieties were soon eased with my new found friends. I wasn’t really leaving my family and friends I was gaining a whole new family and experiences. This time around I have lost the freshman jitters, and gained excitement and anticipation for a new opportunity. I am psyched for the opportunity to build this team into a force to be reckoned with at the conference level and start taking a team of swimmers and divers to the national level each year.
As our team grows I would like to make sure parents and alums alike are included in this growth. I want to see the great Allegheny Swimming & Diving traditions carried on from year to year with athletes and the fans. My challenge to all of you is to help keep the traditions alive. Alums, we would like to hear from you throughout the year with letters of encouragement and your thoughtful trips down memory lane. We would also appreciate reminders of traditions that should be continued if they have slipped through the cracks. We’d love to see you out at our meets both home and away!!
While I continue to acclimate to Allegheny and Meadville, I encourage parents, alums and fans to contact me. I will be tapping into your support and encouragement of the swimmers and divers throughout the year. I look forward to meeting and working with my new Allegheny family.
Go Gators!!
Coach Erin