Alycia Holwerda
Swimming
One of the main reasons I chose Minnesota State University, Mankato was because I could continue my swimming career at the collegiate level. Without swimming my college experience would be much different; all my actions revolved around swimming. For four years almost every single day would involve swimming. My team had swim practice 6 days a week, lifting 3 times a week, instructing swim lessons multiple days, and competitions on weekends. Swimming was like a very rewarding full-time job. I was awarded Rookie of the Year and Strength and Conditioning awards. I was an All-American Honorable mention national competitor, an All-American swimmer, and an All-Academic student-athlete. Through swimming I was able to create many memories, achieve many accomplishments, and grow as a person and as a leader.
On the swim team we all had various roles (Teams Level 1). We each had our strengths in different swimming events but also in leading the team. The coaches were the main leaders, and upperclassman would help follow through their plans and lead the team. Every year we would work together towards our common goal of becoming Conference champions (Teams Level 2). My junior year we were finally able to become Conference champions for the first time in school history. We each had our various roles within the team (Teams Level 3). Swimming is a very mentally dominating sport. “The Cheerleader” is a very important role on a team is to have a charismatic, optimistic person to help boost morale to get the job done. Another important role is “The Reminder”. This person will remind everyone of when and where meets and practices were as well as what to do and what to bring. This person is critical in keep the team prepared and on task. Another role is “The Workhorse”. This type of role is someone that works diligently to be successful. This person is also critical to a team’s success to exemplify the level of effort required by each team member. This person will push their teammates to also give their best. Without all of these team members executing these roles, we would not have had a successful season.
The seniors played a key role in our success that year. They not only lead our team in the pool by scoring the most points, but they also lead our team outside of the pool. They lead by example by supporting all their teammates and leading by example. Most were very effective leaders although a few were ineffective (Values Level 3). The hardworking seniors lead by example by showing how much effort was to be asked from the rest of the team. The seniors that supported and motivated their teammates were the most successful in leading, because the rest of the team felt that they could trust their knowledge and experience. However, not every senior was effective in leading. Those that negatively barked commands were unsuccessful. Complaining, bossiness, and smugness hindered our success as a team. These seniors would lead with fear rather than encouragement.
After we became conference champions, in the following season I was a senior and now a leader to the MNSU Maverick swim team. I had to use my personal theories and values of leadership to guide the swim team (Values Level 4). In my freshman year my class had 10 swimmers. At the beginning of my senior year, there was only four of us: two divers and two swimmers. Together we lead the team in every practice, every meet, and every team bonding event. In the past years as a swimmer, I saw positivity was a key factor in effective leadership. I applied this to my leadership philosophy. I would cheer my teammate on during tough sets, tough workouts, and tough competitions. Swimming is a long season, but negativity can make it longer. I also tried to lead by example by working my hardest to show everyone the level of energy that is required to be successful. One of my strengths is being very determined and diligent; I hoped to inspire that in the rest of the team. During warmups before meets I would lead the swim team in team stretches since the other senior swimmer was injured. I said which exercise was to be completed, showed everyone how to do it, and lead everyone on staying on track. I hoped to push my teammates past their comfort zone to achieve their goals. I would lead by example, ask questions to improve, and seek feedback. As a senior I played into my strengths of being a positive, hardworking person. I expected the team to be the same. I hoped to help my teammates trust in each other and the process. I wanted everyone to try and break down the season to take it day by day to not be overwhelmed by the long season but to take each practice individually.
I can now articulate a general philosophy of leadership to guide future collaboration within groups (Teams Level 4). I believe leading by example with positivity is very effective. I hope to utilize this in my career as well as my personal life. When I work at my job in teams, I will support my team with positivity and show the level of dedication expected from those I work with. I will keep a positive attitude and trust other’s strengths. The swim team has taught me this is crucial to a successful team.