Christian Peterson
Reporter@riverbendnews.org
Trinity Yates was born June 28, 2005, in Gainseville, Fla. For the past 11 years she has been raised by her grandparents, Robert and Barbara Yates. She has a total of 12 siblings, three blood and nine adopted, ranging between the ages of 19 to 40. While she has a tremendously interesting family, and has proven she can overcome many hardships, Yates’s true skill is in her swimming ability.
Yates first started swimming in the 10th grade. She found it difficult at first, but persevered. “Eventually I fell in love with the sport,” Yates said. Not only has her time with the Bulldogs been her first experience on a swim team, it has also been the first sport she’s ever joined. Yates chose to join the swim team to keep herself busy, as well as in hopes of setting herself up for college admission. Yates’s first major accomplishment was in her first year on the team, when she improved her letter. Her second year saw more success, as she earned her first bar. This year, she expects to earn another bar.
Yates said her mental state has always been her biggest challenge. “I was constantly telling myself I couldn’t do it, but Coach Doug and my friends helped me through that along the way,” Yates said. Change is a part of life, and Yates said her experience on the team has improved her mental health and confidence.
“Swim taught me more than just to swim fast. The people you encounter, the responsibilities you have and your commitment to something helps prepare you for life… I never thought I would be part of a team before swim. Always take chances and try something new, you never know what you might find. A closed mind refuses to change and, without change, there can be no growth.”
Yates has no single person who she would say is her biggest inspiration, as she has been inspired by so many around her. “Everyone that is close to me has been there for me and supported me throughout the years,” Yates said. Now a senior at Suwannee High School, Yates is preparing to say goodbye to this unique experience. Yates said she will miss the relationships that were built. “We are more than just a team,” she said. “I look at all of my teammates as family.” When asked to sum up her experience in swim in one sentence, Yates said, “My tan might fade, but my memories will last forever.” She also has a heart of gratitude, with a plethora of people she wanted to thank. “I would like to thank my grandparents for letting me do this sport and supporting me through the years. I would also like to thank Coach Doug for pushing me to be the best I could every year, and a big thank you to one of my best friends, Daniel Peterson, for being there for me during swim season, even during the off seasons.” Yates is currently working on her Associate of the Arts in psychology and after plans to go to Southeastern University to get her bachelor’s in psychology.