I am a proud member of the George Washington University (GW) Swim and Dive team, a team that has been an integral part of my life, as well as the lives of many others. Our team has won eleven A10 championships in recent years, with individuals even making it to the NCAA championships. Despite these achievements, our athletic department is planning to fill in our pool without providing us with a suitable alternative. This decision threatens not only our athletic success but also our academic performance.

This process is heartbreaking for us who have dedicated so much time and effort into making this team what it is today. It's crucial that we find a balance between preserving athletic programs like ours while also ensuring other teams' needs are met.

The situation is not unique to us; it is part of a larger issue affecting student-athletes across the country. According to NCAA data, many student-athletes struggle with balancing their academic responsibilities with their commitment to their sport. However, this balance becomes impossible when essential facilities like ours are taken away without adequate replacements. 

We ask you to join us in calling on GW's Athletic Department to treat us fairly by halting their plans to fill in our pool until they can provide an adequate alternative solution which does not compromise either our academic or athletic success. Please sign this petition today and help preserve the legacy and future of the GW Swim and Dive Team.