Editor’s Note: This letter was written in response to “Is swimming & diving a priority at UNCW?” written by Sports Editor Tyler Heffernan and published Sept. 8, 2011.

Dear Editor:

Reading the article in The Seahawk about swimming and diving being a priority at UNCW literally brought tears to my eyes. I graduated from UNCW in 2010, having swum on the team for four years under Coach Allen. It was by far the BEST four years of my life, with my one complaint being that the swim and dive team never earned the recognition that I truly believed we deserved. It has always been hurtful as an athlete who pours 22 hours a week into my sport in order to succeed and represent my university that we are constantly overlooked. I am SO proud to be a Seahawk swimming and diving alumna and felt such joy to read an article entirely about us that actually addressed problems that we face as a team instead of just ignoring them. I wanted to thank your entire staff for doing such a great job with this article. The swimming and diving team works so hard, and they deserve all the success they get, and I am so proud to call myself an alumna of such an inspirational group of people. THANK YOU, for recognizing us.

Laura Chinni, UNCW Class of 2010