TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University swimming program closes out its home dual meet slate this weekend, facing Whitman College on Friday before facing Whitworth University on Saturday for Senior Day. 
 
Senior Jeff Lozensky is looking forward to the competitions, but knowing this is his last chance to compete at home is bittersweet. After four years of spending the better part of the school year in the pool, Lozensky has learned how to have fun while still working hard.
 
"From my four years, I have learned how to be disciplined and focused when I need to be, but also know when to have a good time and not stress over the little things," Lozenksy said. "I want to carry that mentality with me into the real world as well as the bonds I've made with my teammates."
 
Victoria Ngyuenle, another senior swimmer, is incredibly grateful for her collegiate athlete experience, and the other senior swimmers who have stuck it out with her. Although hard to believe, her swim career is coming to an end, and she will carry the memories and bonds created with her teammates as she looks towards life post-graduation.
 
"The number of ways the Lutes team has influenced my life is countless," Ngyuenle said. "My team has taught me what it means to be a compelling leader who can create and accomplish a vision. I hope to trail blaze my own path to success as I know other PLU swimmers have done before me."
 
Both Ngyuenle and Lozensky emphasized their love for their teammates, those that have been training by their side for four years, as well as those who just dove in the pool four months ago.

During winter break, the team had their annual training trip in Oxnard, California, which both athletes recalled as one of their favorite memories. Nyguenle reminisced on the traditional beach workout where the team competed fun relays and soaked up the sun, and Lozensky made sure to mention how much he cherished the time he spent with the very close-knit men's team.

Throughout their swimming careers, Lozensky and Nyguenle have experienced ups and downs in their races. For Lozensky, his sophomore year conference was a breakout meet, where he swam multiple personal records and was proud to win points for the team.

Nyguenle achieved a new personal record in the 200 breaststroke at the George Fox Invitational last November.

 "This was such a special moment because it had been three years since I dropped time in this event and I just really surprised myself," Nyguenle said. "It was a validation of all the work I've put into this sport and inspired me to continue training as seriously as I always had."
 
As she reflects on her time at PLU, Nyguenle is grateful for the endless support from her parents and brothers, as well as her swim team family.
 
"I would also like to thank Coach for the incredible 4-year journey, and Jake for providing me with coffee smells at 6 a.m. practice!" Nyguenle said.
 
This weekend, the seniors will lead the squad into the meets against Whitman and Whitworth, the top-ranking teams in the conference. After the past weeks of intense training, Lozensky is ready to race.
            
"I'm most excited to be able to represent this team one more time in front of the home crowd and going through my routine one more time at PLU," Lozenksy said. "I'm so proud to be a part of this team and would do it all again if I had a choice."

Catch the Lutes racing against Whitman on Friday at 6 p.m., and against Whitworth on Saturday at 1 p.m.