Laura Powalski:
"Over my four years on the UB Swimming & Diving team, there have been several changes and it seems each one has been for the better. We came into a women's only team freshmen year. By sophomore year, we were a combined team with a five person coaching staff. My sophomore year saw several MAC wins and an exciting MAC meet at home where our athletic director came in with a half blue-half white head. By junior year, the women's team saw the first ever MAC relay first place. Now, as a senior, I see this team and the transformation it has taken these years. We are recruiting outstanding athletes and have the strongest men and women's team this university has ever seen. This would not have been possible without the coaching staff and athletes that are a part of this team.
Continued success in this program is inevitable because when people come into this atmosphere, they want to stay and be a part of it. The ten girls that joined this program four years ago get to leave it together this February competing for a top four spot for the first time ever at the MAC Championships. Being a part of the magic was one of the best experiences I could have asked for. Magic - that's what it is.
This team has accomplished so much over the past four years, and I know it will continue in the future. As the season ends, I am sad that my fourteen year swim career is over, but I would not have changed my decision to be a part of UB's program. This is the best way to end because I have so many wonderful memories and am connected to really amazing people.
I want to thank you all for the past four years...Coaches - You guys created the best atmosphere for success. Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen - Thank you for these years together; I will miss you, and I know you guys will do great things. My Seniors - You created the dynamic of this team, and I thank each of you for shaping my life and showing me what it is like to be surrounded by passionate, people everyday."
Thank you so much - I will never forget the magic,
Laura
