Attending NC State’s celebration of 50 years of women’s swimming was a truly unforgettable experience. As a proud alum and former team captain of the Wolfpack women’s swim team, this milestone brought back a flood of cherished memories. It was a joy to reconnect with former teammates, meet current varsity swimmers, and reflect on the legacy we’ve all contributed to over the years. Sharing the weekend with my husband, who has always been a big supporter, made it even more special. His presence throughout the festivities added another layer of meaning to the celebration.
Walking into the pool where I once trained was both nostalgic and inspiring. Seeing my name on the wall as an NC State All-American was a humbling reminder of those formative years. The highlight of the weekend came on Friday night, when all the returning women donned commemorative t-shirts and paraded onto the pool deck during the varsity meet. As a slideshow of the program’s history played, I felt a deep sense of pride and connection with every woman who has ever worn the Wolfpack red.
Saturday morning’s alumni breakfast was equally moving. Sharing stories and reflections with fellow alumnae and current athletes reminded me of the unique bond we all share as members of the Wolfpack family. Several of us spoke openly about what being part of this program has meant in our lives, from shaping our character to teaching us resilience and teamwork.
The weekend was made even more special by NC State Head Swim Coach Braden Holloway, who went above and beyond to make us all feel welcome. Under his leadership, the Wolfpack women are the best they have ever been and are only getting better. Seeing how strong the program is today filled me with pride and excitement for the future of NC State swimming.
Part of the excitement for me this weekend was getting the opportunity to interview Olympic champion Katharine Berkoff for Champion’s Mojo. Her reflections on her journey and the legacy of NC State swimming added a special touch to an already extraordinary weekend.
This celebration was not just about honoring the past 50 years of women’s swimming at NC State—it was a reminder of how our shared history connects us, inspires us, and sets the foundation for the future. I’m so grateful to have been part of it and to share this unforgettable milestone with my Wolfpack family.
