The transition from a Pitman Pride Lion to a South Dakota State Jackrabbit is one of the many things Stephanie Young can brag about. Stephanie Young was signed onto South Dakota State’s Division I swim team November 18, 2009 in the PHS library. It has been a challenging journey getting to this point, and I was lucky to witness this event, as well as a fraction of Stephanie’s experiences in swimming and school.
On November 18th in the Pitman High library, Stephanie’s parents, swim coaches, a group of friends, and teachers joined her to celebrate her accomplishments and witness her transition to a South Dakota Jackrabbit. During this signing, words were voiced concerning this All-American swimmer. First to speak were Stephanie’s coaches Paul Maurer (Central Valley Aquatics coach) and Anne Cornell (high school coach) who explained, “I am proud to have Stephanie on our team, and she will be missed.” Stephanie’s parents, Roger and Emy Young were on either side of her during the signing, supporting her while her signing took place. Emmy Young proudly reflected, “Stephanie has given up a lot over the years for swimming and has worked very hard academically.” Roger Young added humorously, “She was afraid of the water, now is swimming like crazy.” Once her parents and coaches spoke, it was Stephanie’s turn to speak. There were many tears, but I can say as a “wet-eyed” witness that Stephanie was not the only one to shed them.
In high school, Stephanie not only swam and kept up an outstanding academic record, while also participated in drama throughout school and the local drama program, YES Company. Stephanie explained that she has been thinking about college throughout high school, yet has some regrets. “I regret not taking days off practice for fun stuff like football games,” Stephanie said, “especially formal though…I never got the chance to go.” These are the sacrifices of which her mother spoke.
After senior year is completed, Stephanie will be moving to South Dakota State and will be pursuing her dreams and aspirations there. “I chose South Dakota because of the people there,” expressed Stephanie. Stephanie always thought she would like to swim in college since she knew that it was an option. She also thinks that she will like swimming even more once entering college because of the challenges and opportunities it presents. Stephanie’s goals for college swimming include becoming a better swimmer and going to the NCAAs, which is the highest qualifying swim meet at the college level. Although Stephanie’s future is well on its way, she has some dreams beyond college. “I would like to be a personal trainer, maybe for college athletes.”
I first met Stephanie when I was in 6th grade and immediately looked at her as a role model in respect to swimming and academics, as well as an overall person. She is an extremely hard worker, and this has been clear to all who have known her. Her sense of humor is contagious and unique, while she is dedicated to everything in which she partakes. I am honored to have met her and seen her voyage off to college and her future.
Stephanie’s time has been dominated by swimming and school, yet the people who have been fortunate enough to have met Stephanie know that she is truly an amazing person who has her own personal sense of humor, intelligence that people respect, and talent that people admire. Her teammates, friends from school, coaches, and teachers will all miss Stephanie greatly and wish her the best in college and her bright future.