Washington and Lee University
Majors: Chemistry and classics
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Favorite W&L Memory:
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Favorite W&L Event: Fancy Dress
Favorite Campus Landmark: Lee Chapel
When I was searching for a college I knew that I wanted to swim. I had spoken with several coaches, but Joel Shinofield was the only coach that consistently called to keep updated over my senior year. Joel and his philosophy of a strong team identity were some of the greatest reasons why I was so excited to attend Washington & Lee. Over the years at W&L I have had many rewarding, enriching, and enlightening experiences, and a large portion of those have come from W&L swimming.
Before W&L I never really experienced the team aspect of swimming. I came from a small high school with only a couple of us swimming year round. At Washington & Lee I encountered my first true swim team. When I was moving in freshman year, the team captains and Joel stopped by to lend a hand and introduce themselves. These bonds that I have forged over the four years since mean very much to me. We have gone through tough times and great times, failure and great accomplishment. Throughout it all we have stayed together, no matter who makes up the team year to year.
Three aspects particularly define why I value W&L swimming so highly: continual encouragement during tough workouts; a likeminded determination to succeed in all aspects of life; and selfless sacrificing from top to bottom. All sorts of swim programs have individuals that perform at a high level, but I believe that we are among the few programs in Division III that have a collective purpose to work hard every day both academically and athletically and ensure the wellbeing of every team member.
There are many other reasons that W&L will always be held dear in my heart, but, whenever I am asked why I chose W&L, I say that the sense of team and genuine care displayed by every team member led me to choose Washington and Lee.
