Cal State Bakersfield swimmer Hannah Marsh recently penned a letter to swimming, the sport she dedicated 15 years to mastering. Wrapping up a five-year career as a Roadrunner, Marsh shared her thoughts on the impact swimming had on her life, including enabling her to earn a bachelor's degree and begin working on her master's degree, all while competing at the NCAA Division I level. That letter is below, along with images from the original post on Instagram.

Dear Swimming,

A month ago I swam my last swim meet ever. For the past 15 years you have been a huge part of my identity, and finally this chapter has come to a close. You have has always been my outlet that has kept me sane, and a way for me to focus on myself.

I fell in love with this sport and the feeling it gave me when the world went silent, and my thoughts disappeared every time I got in the pool. You’ve taught me what hard work, true dedication and resilience really is. You’ve taught me how to be a better teammate, leader, and made me into the woman I am today. I am so thankful for all of the memories, experiences, and opportunities this sport has given me - the good and the bad.

When I came to college, I fell in love all over again with the sport. I cannot express how blessed I feel to have been apart of this CSUB swim and dive family. I knew the moment I came here, I found my people.

Bakersfield has given me so many of my closest friends and beautiful relationships that I will forever cherish. This place has been truly special to me. If you told little Hannah that she would accomplish all of the things I have today, she wouldn’t believe it.

To that little girl with the purest love for the water - she would be so so proud of the experience she created for herself and for following her dream of being a D1 college athlete. To the countless laps, drylands, lifts, meets, and horrible sets - made all the pain worth it in the end.

One of the most humbling aspects of swimming is the sheer volume of work you have to put in to see the smallest improvements. This aspect has taught me to be patient, dedicated, and find happiness in the smallest of victories. This sport made me strong, and taught me to believe in myself even in the most discouraging times. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without my parents who have supported me and my dreams from the beginning. To all of my coaches, friends, teammates and everyone who has been apart of my journey - thank you for your love and support.

Thank you swimming <3

  - Hannah Marsh