???For swimmers, touching the wall brings the same excitement that a runner experiences as he or she crosses the finish line. Knowing that they gave their all is the ultimate feeling that all athletes wish to attain.
???This is what pushes junior swimmer Kim Dale to go out and succeed in the pool. Swimming feeds Dale's competitive spirit. The thought of working her arms and legs as hard as she can while conquering pain that continues creeping up her body is what swimming is about for Dale.
???A multi-sport athlete growing up, she excelled in swimming, running and soccer. She did her best at both swimming and cross-country, lettering in both sports during her high school career. She wasn't as successful in soccer as her twin, Julie Dale of the women's soccer team.
???"I quit soccer after I realized that my twin sister was better than me," Dale said.
???Despite the difference in soccer talent, the Dale sisters have supported each other during their time at Buffalo.
???"[Julie] has always been someone that I relate experiences with," Dale said. "She also provides great support."
???When it came time to choose a school, both Dales had their separate reasons for choosing Buffalo.
Kim was extremely impressed with head coach Andy Bashor. Bashor swam at North Carolina State, just minutes away from Dale's hometown of Cary, N.C.
???"I was looking at a lot of schools," Dale said. "I chose Buffalo because I liked the team and the coaches. When I saw that Coach Bashor was the women's coach, I knew it was meant to be."
???Coming into Buffalo and competing against other Mid-American Conference teams was tough for Dale. Through hard work and dedication, she improved and began to impress for the Bulls. Last year at the MAC Championships, Dale finished 11th in the 400 IM and 12th in the 1650 freestyle.
Dale feels that she must continuously work hard to keep improving. Her head coach feels that her work ethic makes her a model of inspiration for her teammate.
???"Kim is a hard worker. She has a great swimming mind and is goal driven, almost to a fault," Bashor said. "For this team, she is someone who can do everything, and it is really fun working with someone like that."
???After graduating from Buffalo, Dale will be going solo in whatever career and life she decides upon. She realizes she will not have her team pushing her to go one more lap or consoling her after a tough break.
???Regardless, when it comes time to move on, she will always remember the times around the pool with the people whom she competed with and against.
???While the stats and times may be the only things that are visible as the years continue to pass, Dale will remember the people and the bonds that were forged in the water.
???"My inspiration is the team," Dale said. "They are the reason I continue swimming. Because I am a nursing major, sometimes I have to have solo practices. Those practices are the worst. I thrive off my teammates, no matter if it's practice or in competition."
