I began competitive swimming at the age of eight in Wisconsin. Given a choice of sports, my older brother joined the local swim team, and his strong willed younger sister declared, “If he can do it, I can do it too!” That was my motto. Over 40 years later, I am thankful my brother chose swimming. 

In some fashion, water has always been a part of my life - whether swimming on the high school team, summers lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons, four years of college swimming, guiding kayak tours on Monterey Bay, countless hours ocean swimming along the Kona coast or providing aqua therapy to patients - the water has been and continues to be a source of enjoyment and friendships and a provider of many life lessons. Swimming even played matchmaker as I met my husband, Nick, masters swimming near Chicago. After wearing fins and chasing me for a few weeks, he finally asked me out. 

I have been a physical therapist for 20+ years, but my most fulfilling and enjoyable job is being mom to our 12-year-old daughter, Sam. At just a few months old, Sam and I started to play together in the water. Whether splashing in the pool or surfing a wave, water time has always been fun time. When I think back to my younger self, extra tall with two long braids and a handmade swimsuit, I could never have imagined where my water adventure would take me. I am happy the water has brought me here to Sutter Swim Team as both a parent and a coach, and I am excited to be a part of this Tsunami season.