Swimming with Faith by Natalie Davis Miller

Author:Natalie Davis Miller [Miller, Natalie Davis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Published: 2016-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

Missy, third from left, and Regis Jesuit High School swimmers jump into the pool after winning the 5A Colorado State Championship in 2013.

Before the end of her senior year, Missy received yet another award—the 2012 James E. Sullivan Award, given to the country’s top amateur athlete by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). According to their website, the award is “based on the qualities of leadership, character, sportsmanship, and the ideals of amateurism, the AAU Sullivan Award goes far beyond athletic accomplishments and honors those who have shown strong moral character.” It is described as the “Oscar” of sports awards.

“This award means a lot to me because of how much I’ve given up to be amateur,” Missy told the Denver Post. So who was the last swimmer to win that award? Michael Phelps.

AAU president Henry Forrest described Missy as one of the “best and the brightest” amateur athletes pursuing her dreams. He also noted her character and leadership in the classroom and community. For Missy that meant keeping a 4.0 grade point average while working with a long list of groups including Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Stand Up 2 Cancer, and the Denver Children’s Hospital.

Somehow she was able to stretch herself, give more, and continue to dig deeper—making morning practices while still taking the swim world by storm.

Missy had reached the big time while still in high school, but soon she would be leaving her home state and her home swim team to swim for her Olympic coach who just happened to be the coach for the Cal Bears. Even though her future was right in front of her, Missy acknowledged all that the Colorado Stars and coach Todd Schmitz had done for her.

“I wouldn’t have a career without him,” Missy told the Denver Post. “Every coach has something about him that makes him special. Todd and I have a relationship that’s special in itself.” There would be no problem for Missy to go back to swim for Schmitz—but for now she would be looking forward to the next phase of her life.

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