Maverick Aquatics

Senior Send-off 2006

Sara Brown

Sara has lots of natural talent and an inner competitiveness that quickly ascended her from a middle-of-the-pack middle school swimmer to a top high school athlete.  As soon as she joined MAV, she made a difference with her hard work ethic and fun personality.  She was a member of the senior girls relay, along with Heather, Betsy, and Tonya, that scored in finals at the Southeastern Championships.  She has shown much strength of character over the years, including racing a 100 backstroke with a dislocated shoulder joint during high school state finals her junior year.

Sara is at the University of Florida.

interests other than swimming: Yoga and Pilates

best strokes/events: backstroke and distance free style

swimming accomplishments: went to state all four years; went to Southeasterns twice in short course once in long course; made several of my overall goals; made a lot of friends and had a lot of fun.

accomplishments outside swimming:Got into the number 1 school of my choice, the Hall of Fame at my highschool, maintained a 4.75 GPA

best MAV memory:  My second southeasterns was pretty incredible.  I was only swimming in a few relays 100 back and the mile.  It was kind of a fluke i was even there because I had been so busy I had a dormant swim season until this meet.  I was slightly discouraged seeing as the three events before  left MUCH to be desired, so swimming the mile was not what i wanted to be doing.  But I put on my positive attitude and stepped up.  I have never had a race feel so right (probably because they are all to short to really feel anything) I was just cruising.  Never had I swum such a perfect race my splits did exactly what they were suppose to do and more.  It was just so uplifting and eye opening that i had a knack for distance.

best swimming memory: My freshman year was my best swimming memory.  I hadn't ever swam seriously and was completely unaware of my potential until that year.  And contrary to the belief of others i knew i was going to state, and then i did.  I consider it a great achievement

lessons learned through swimming: I learned about hard work, self motivation, and dedication

to coaches: Thank you for everything
to teammates: It has been pretty incredible; good luck to all of you in whatever you decide to do.
to parents and brother: Thanks for driving me all over the southeast to meets and more thanks for supporting me in everything I do.  Trenton, we all know that I wouldn't have gotten half as good as I was without you and this burning desire to beat you one day.

GO Mavericks!

Shandin Eells

Shandin knows how to lead a team toward greater cohesion in the pursuit of excellence.  She is a concientious swimmer who took disappointments in stride, using them as motivation to work even harder.  Her senior year she swam a best time in her 100 breaststroke after years of struggling with her stroke.  She lead by example, and was quick to encourage others.

Shandin is at the University of Florida, and swimming for Club Alligator.

year joined MAV: I would have to say around 2001
interests other than swimming: writing, traveling, and fashion
best strokes/events: 100 breast and 500 free
swimming accomplishments: qualifying for SES in 2000, regionals in 2004, and recieving the spirit award in 2005
accomplishments outside swimming: Being accepted to my first choice school, graduating Niceville summa cum laude, and having a successful year as president of German Club.
best MAV memory: It had to be the summer between my 9th and 10th grade year when the team went to Dothan.  All "the guys" were there along with a lot of the high school girls.  I just remember everyone not only cheering but having fun as well.
best swimming memory: This would have to be at the Northwest Florida invite last year.  In finals the team came together for the first time that year.  We all swam incredibly, but that night I swam the best 100 breast of my life: 1:16.9.  It meant so much more that my dad was there to see me swim that race!
lessons learned through swimming: I've learned so much through swimming it's unbelievable.  Respect for others (and yourself), hard work, dedication, how to be a part of a team, and many more.  But the most important lesson is that failing while trying your best isn't really a failure, but a success because you gave it all you had.
to coaches: Coach Dan, while he made me faster, he also helped me to stop over thinking everything.  I was able to love this sport and have fun.  Thank you for all the work you put in to make these years amazing for me!!
to teammates: I say that ya'll are the best people I know.  We worked as a team to make each other better.  You are what made me keep coming back!!!  Good luck in the future, I'm sure I'll be seeing you do great things. I really love you all.
to parents and sister:  I had the "luck" of swimming with my
sister.  That in itself presented its challenges, but in the end we always supported each other.  My parents are the best in the world for encouraging me to do what I loved all these years.  Thanks and I love you!

We all know swimming isn't easy (I still think it's the hardest sport out there).  I hope that all the current and future swimmers out there make sure to do one thing: HAVE FUN!  There's nothing better than stepping up on the block and smiling because you love it so much 8-)

Chris Gerhardstein

If only we had taped the first day Chris joined the team and the last day he swam with us before leaving for college.  The improvement would amaze even the unschooled observer.  Chris worked hard on his technique, and it paid off, as he consistently dropped his times throughout high school.  "SuperStein" is also appreciated for the humor he brought to the team.

Chris is at the University of West Florida.

year joined MAV: 2004
interests other than swimming: video games

best strokes/events: 50 free and 100 fly
swimming accomplishments: high school varsity team, most spirited award
accomplishments outside swimming: ROTC scholarship, graduated with honors
best MAV memory: Brentwood, TN, in December 2005. This was the funnest MAV meet I went to because we made a roadtrip to TN out of it with Ned, Eric, and Sal. Funnest thing ever - george jones's house, the gigantic chair, and eric brown being thankful that it was in fact me, and not him, in the water at that moment in time during my 200 fly.
best swimming memory: NWF florida invite meet on october 1st, placed 13th in prelims and got to swim instead of the fort walton swimmer who missed his event. district meet 2005 at UF, and, state 2005 (the bottom of that pool got it good).
lessons learned through swimming: wanting something will only get you so far. if your not willing to work for the things you want to happen in your life, then they wont happen.
to coaches: you havnt seen the last of me! (ill say thanks and all that stuff now though!)
to teammates: No matter where we go or how far apart we are, we will always be a very close group of friends, even iif ned ends up as far away as 14,000 miles at the university of western australia.
to parents: my family wont be here any more, the air force is sending them to boston. they deserve a HUGE thanks because i never could have done anything in swimming without their help. and, my mom needs to know that shes going to get to see me swim again eventually...

Rachael Voigt

Rachael has a passion for swimming that showed when she raced.  She was the Daily News Swimmer of the Year her junior year of high school, particularly for her fast butterfly.  Rachael is an honest, upfront person with a huge heart.

Rachael is at the University of Florida, and swimming for Club Alligator.

year joined MAV:  2002
interests other than swimming: reading, beach, biology, friends
best strokes/events: 100 Butterfly
swimming accomplishments: State team 2001-2005, 8th place in the Florida state finals meet in the 100 Butterfly 2004, 50 free district champion 2004, 200 IM relay team 5th in state 2003, Junior Olympics, being team captain
accomplishments outside swimming: National honor society, suma cum laude
best MAV memory: going to chillies with the girls
best swimming memory: placing 8th at the state meet in the 100 butterfly
lessons learned through swimming: to never give up and always keep trying...you'll be surprised what you can accomplish! Dedication and motivation is key.
to coaches: Thanks for all of your time and all of your help!!! :)
to teammates: good luck with everything!
to parents and sister: Again, thank you so much for all of the time, money, and energy that you invested into my swimming...it is greatly appreciated. EMMY: i love you..you are my best friend, never give up on yourself!, you are capeable of so many wonderful things!!!!!
GO GATORS!!!!!!!

Other seniors will be posted as the webmaster gets time to do it.

Moved

Two of our swimmers got military orders and have moved to Tennessee this May 2006.  Both regularly competed in meets and positively influenced the team.  Let's wish them well on their new teams!

Caroline Ramos quickly became a favorite of the older swimmers because her uncontained joy of swimming.  At only 5-years-old, she can race a 100 freestyle with flip turns.

Louis Bunch made an impact from the moment he joined.  His dedication and passion for the sport is inspiring, and it paid off with huge improvements in his technique and drops in his times over the 2 years he swam with us.  Louis will swim for Pilot Aquatics.

year joined MAV: summer 2004

moving to: Morristown, TN
interests other than swimming: church, hanging around with family, running, friends, video games, and other sports

accomplishments: overall improvement in everything since the summer of 2004

best MAV memory: SES short course finals 2005, the 200 fly.

best swimming memory: making zone cut in 100 breast in Ohio as a 13 year old

lessons learned through swimming: tough times don't last tough people do, keep positive mindset towards everything, learning what the X factor really is, what role in life does swimming play.

to coaches: Since I am a air force brat I have moved around many places, experienced many coaches and had some great mentors. But the coaches I met here are the best ones yet and have taught me many lessons, both philosophical and swimming wise. I know we have had our fair share of good times and bad times but overall I have had a wonderful time and good experience with you. I wish you all the best of luck in the future and that I for sure will not forget what you have taught me.

to teammates: well these past two years have been loads of fun with you guys and girls. I just want to thank you first off for welcoming me in when I showed up and not being shy. Second I would like to say is that practices and meets have been a ton of fun and I couldn't thank you guys anymore for memories I will never forget. And third I would like to say sorry for all the times in practice when I've snapped on any of you all or given you attitude or been arrogant towards you all. I wish you all the best of luck with swimming and I hope that the goals you all strive for are accomplished

Well, it has been nice being here and I hope I haven't caused you all too much trouble! I hope to run into everyone I've met on the team somewhere later on in life.

Senior Send-off

Fare well! Keep in touch! You can leave messages for our seniors by clicking on the "comments" link under the last name. In fact, you can leave comments anywhere on the site that pertains to the message above the link. Please see "About this Format" under Categories for more information.

Erin Bernier

Erin is a true natural leader.  Besides showing everyone how fun swimming can be, she puts in the hard work day in and day out.  She has a contagious zest for pushing herself and loving it.

Erin will attend the University of Central Florida.

year joined MAV: 2001

best strokes/events: Fly and 200 I.M

interests other than swimming: Jewelry Making, Working Out, Beach, Photography

accomplishments: Most Valuable Swimmer and Runner, Most Dedicated Swimmer and Runner, All State Cross Country Athlete, Athlete of the Week.

best MAV memory: the Dothan Meets and Southeastern’s

best swimming memory: State my Junior year, and dropping 2 seconds in my 200 IM at Regional’s

lessons learned through swimming: Time Management, Integrity, Leadership skills

Throughout my many years of swimming I’ve made many friends who have been there for me and made it very enjoyable to be there. Swimming has also taught me how to be a leader and how to encourage all my teammates to do their best.

to teammates: Your guys I will miss you all. Stay together, and help one another in swimming and throughout your high school years.

to coaches: Thanks so much for all the help over the years. Through your support I have been able to improve my swimming. You have enabled me to grow as a person and as a leader.

to parents/siblings/other family: I would not be where I am without you guys there to support me through everything I do. The support I have from you guys is unbelievable. As I head off to college I will remember those lessons you have taught me. Your love and support has pushed me to further my education and to find a great career for myself.

 

Alyson Davis

Alyson has helpful side, gladly offering her hand in taking splits or teaching a few youngsters how to swim better.  Even though jaw surgery kept her out of the water for some time, she showed up anyway to stay involved.

Alyson will attend the University of Central Florida.

years swimming:  6

year joined MAV:  10th grade, 2002

best strokes/events:  100 Backstroke and 100 Freestyle

interests other than swimming: reading, friends, music, soccer, softball

best MAV memory:   helping coach practices; it's always fun.

best swimming memory: Dropping at least 10 seconds in everything within a few months!!

to coaches:  Thank you soo much for all the help and guidance.  It is truly valuable, and I will never forget it.

I'm glad I swam because I met some great people and in the process made wonderful friends.  It helped me stay in shape and taught me to work hard for the things I want to achieve.

Austin Glenn

Austin has always been a good listener and quiet leader for her teammates.   She was the first webmaster for Maverick Aquatics, proving her talent for managing websites, and should do well in her dream career area of graphic design.  She proved that belief in herself can pay off when after years of training her breaststroke, she won Districts for high school her senior year.

Austin will attend the University of Central Florida.

years swimming: 6

year joined MAV: 2001

best strokes/events: 100 Breastroke, 200 Breastroke, 50 Breastroke in 200 IM Relay

interests other than swimming: Graphic Design, Cosmetology

accomplishments:  Going to Southeasterns, being admitted to the University of Central Florida, going to State for high
school all 4 years, getting 5th place  in the 200 IM Relay at State in high school

best MAV memory: Deciding to become a masochist one summer when Tristen and I went to 4 or 5 practices a day, at least 4 times a week, ALL summer. Talk about fun! When Meghan Routhier “dove” off the block and managed to kick herself in the back of the head. Hours of card games. Yoga.

best swimming memory: During the high school season, witnessing the boys get 1st place in the 200 IM relay. Hearing Jan sing “Proud to be an American” at state 2 years in a row.

lessons learned through swimming: Water is cold when the heater is broken. Fiberglass itches. Waking up at 4 in the morning isn’t so bad. You can never have too many bagels. You know you’ve had too much bleach in your hair when it starts to fall out and/or break off.

Why you are glad you swam: To keep in shape. To have a lot of family members. I love the smell of chlorine in the morning! Lots of inside jokes and good times together. Making lots of close friends.

to parents: Thank you for not missing one single swim meet throughout my entire swimming career and taping most of them, too. Thank you for providing enough bagels and breakfast bars to feed a small colony. I don’t know what I’ll do without you when I’m in Orlando.

to coaches: Thank you for pushing me when I had no faith in myself. Thank you for listening to me when I had no one else to go too. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without your kind words of encouragement and love. I’ll miss you; don’t forget me!

to teammates: I love you all; I’ll miss you bunches. I’ll try to come back and visit while I’m away. When you’re losing hope, don’t doubt yourself.  You can do anything you set your mind to. All of your hard work and many hours in the pool will pay off some day.

Spencer Greene

With a fun attitude and laugh-out-loud leadership, Spencer has inspired us all to work hard and then enjoy the results.  Spencer always delivers under pressure.  The last race of his career, a 500 free, he took out the race seemingly too fast…but then held on for a major best time.

Spencer will attend Florida State University.

Moving

Besides our seniors, we will also be losing Sophia and Callie Fischer and Shelby Clark this summer. Sophia was one our first members; she is mentioned in our "Team History." Callie joined soon after. Both are excellent swimmers, and we hope they continue at their new home in Hawaii. Shelby has been with us for nearly a year, improving measurably every time she swims. She obviously loves the sport and is one of our consistent swimmers at meets. Her family is moving to Boston. We will miss you all!