Belonging: Reese Whelan, SAAC Co-President

Being a part of the Florida Southern athletic team goes beyond just competing together; it's about having a second family.

We come from various parts of the world, each with our own unique stories and backgrounds, but we all share the same goal – to be the best we can be.

Building that trust and accountability is a team responsibility; it's about checking in on each other, making sure everyone is giving their all, and holding each other accountable when needed.

It's a process that requires time and effort, but it's what makes us a strong and united team.

The grind that binds us

One aspect of our bond that fans might not always see is the sheer amount of work and dedication we put into our training.

We're in the pool early in the morning and late in the afternoon, lifting weights three times a week, and pushing ourselves to the limit day in and day out.

It's that grind that brings us together like nothing else.

And I mean, who else is crazy enough to swim outdoors in Florida when it's cold and gets dark early?

It's those shared challenges and experiences that forge a unique bond among us – one that only we can truly understand.

We've been practicing harder than any team in our conference, and I know it's going to pay off later in the season.

Inclusion and understanding

To ensure everyone feels included and valued, we engage in various team activities and spend time getting to know each other outside of the water.

Our team is incredibly diverse, with teammates from all across the United States and around the world, from Brazil to Poland, Hungary to France, and England.

The key to making everyone feel included and valued is taking the time to understand their backgrounds and incorporating that into our team dynamic.

It's what makes us unique and successful – the ability to embrace and celebrate our differences while working towards a common goal.

Support beyond the sport

Our coaches and teammates go above and beyond to support not just our performance in the pool, but also us as individuals.

The simple phrase, "our door is always open," speaks volumes to me.

It shows that our coaches are always willing to listen and help, whether it's about swimming or anything else in our lives.

My teammates are no different – they're always there for me, offering their support and reaching out when I need it most.

It's that personal connection that has been incredibly important to me during my time here at Florida Southern.

Tagging two

If I had to tag a couple of teammates who have made a significant impact on my experience, it would be Nino  Viallon and Elizabeth Sikes.

Nino is always smiling and is one of the kindest people on the team.

His positive energy is infectious, and it's hard to have a bad day when you're around him.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, has been a great leader and has played a crucial role in bringing the team together.

Her friendship has been invaluable to me, both in the pool and in the classroom, and has helped me stay sane during the past few years.

Small gestures, big impact

Sometimes, it's the small gestures that make the biggest difference.

When a teammate steps up and takes charge, leads a cheer, or encourages others during a race, it can have a tremendous impact on the team's morale and motivation.

It's those little acts of leadership and encouragement that make all the difference and help us push through the toughest moments.

We all play a role in building trust, accountability, and inclusion within our team, and I'm grateful to be a part of such an amazing group of individuals.

Together, we'll continue to strive for greatness and support each other every step of the way.