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A Sense of Self

Share your story series: Appreciating the grind & rediscovering your ‘why’

“It wasn’t just about the medals or the times but about the sense of self it gives me”


 

MY NAME IS CAITLIN AARSETH & THIS IS MY STORY.

NCAA DII Swimming | Northern Michigan University


From the moment I was born, the world around me seemed to revolve around water. Growing up in Minnesota, I was enveloped by lakes and pools, a backdrop of shimmering blue that became the canvas of my childhood. My father, a swim coach, was my guiding star. My earliest memories are of crawling on the pool deck, the cold tiles beneath my knees, and the sound of splashing water filling the air.


At age eight, I took my first dive into competitive swimming, from then on, it became my life. The rhythm of strokes and the challenge of the stopwatch were intoxicating. At age twelve, I faced a crossroads: swim or soccer. Despite my love for the latter, I chose swimming, a decision that would shape my future.


The journey was not always smooth. Like any athlete, my journey had its highs and lows. Before Covid, I was riding a wave of success, setting personal bests and feeling unstoppable. Once the pandemic broke out, my world was abruptly turned upside down. The pool, once my sanctuary, was now off-limits. I felt adrift, my mental state reflecting the stillness of the stagnant water I missed so dearly. The absence of the pool and the camaraderie of teammates hit me hard. I struggled with motivation; finding myself going through the motions rather than truly engaging with my passion. My heart wasn’t in it, and the joy I once felt seemed a distant memory.


Swimming again, my body bore the brunt of the sport’s demands—constant fatigue, sore muscles, and the relentless grind of training. Yet, as insane as it may sound, I found myself more grateful than ever for swimming. The physical strain was a reminder of the commitment and sacrifice required. I learned life lessons I wouldn’t want to learn any other way. During this difficult period, it became clear I needed to reconnect with my “why”—the deeper reason behind why I began and continue to swim. After a period of introspection, I rediscovered my love for the sport and recognized how swimming had shaped me into the woman I am today. It wasn’t just about the medals or the times but about the sense of self it gives me.

Determined to move forward, I turned my attention to college swimming. Navigating the recruiting process was challenging, but I knew that finding the right fit was crucial. Each step, from campus visits to meeting coaches, was a puzzle piece that needed to fall into place.


Now, as a junior in college, I look back on my journey with a sense of fulfillment. The ups and downs, the exhaustion and the soreness, have molded me. I’ve come full circle, and the water that was once a playground has become a source of strength and joy once more. Through it all, I am grateful for every challenge and every lesson, for swimming has taught me resilience, dedication, and self-discovery in ways I would never have experienced otherwise.

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