April 5, 2002

As I walked into ISHOF tonight for the final session I couldn’t help but get a little teary eyed; this would be the final night I would ever experience YMCA Nationals. I can still remember seeing the pool for the first time six years ago, it seemed so overwhelming and so extraordinary. Back then I was a "little girl" on the team; I had no idea what was going on, following all the older girls around like a shadow. Now I find myself explaining things and showing the new "little girls" around. I guess I hadn’t realized that I had finally become one of the "big girls". It’s hard to imagine not coming back to Ft. Lauderdale next year; it has become such a staple in my life that it seems impossible to live without. But, as the saying goes, life must go on. I will always be able to look back upon my times here at ISHOF with a big smile and a happy heart. I will remember my swims, the thousands of pictures I must have posed for, but most of all, the entire fantastic atmosphere and the special times with my coaches and teammates. I’m not sure if I will ever swim in a meet that is as fun and as magical as YMCA Nationals, I’m not sure if anything will ever come close. YMCA Nationals will always hold a special place in my heart, I will cherish the memories and I will always have my pictures to page through and reminisce with. The six years I participated in YMCA Nationals were incredible. I’d like to especially thank Doc and all my teammates for making the experience so unforgettable, without them it would have never been as enjoyable. So here I go, back to the deck for the last time, I have no doubt that it will be filled with even more unforgettable moments and probably a few more tears.

Dana Marinin

Bloomsburg Area YMCA

Pennsylvania