At a special signing ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, William Tennent senior Melanie Busch signed a letter of intent to accept a swimming scholarship to the University of Maryland.
Melanie Busch – University of Maryland (Swimming)Major: Elementary Education
Final list of colleges: Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Louisville
Reasons for choosing Maryland: “I just really liked all the girls and the coaches, and I loved the campus a lot. That is probably what got me. I could just see myself there, and with the other schools it came down to, I couldn’t see myself there.”
What was the recruiting process like for you? “It was the most stressful two months of my life. I thought it was going to be easy because I normally instinctively know things – this is the place, but that’s not how it turned out. I started talking to coaches on July 1, and then I narrowed it down to the trips I would make. After that, I narrowed it down to Maryland and Louisville, and then I added up the numbers – the pros and cons. It ended up Maryland.
“It’s so relieving to know I don’t have to worry about it anymore. I just know I’m there. It’s a great feeling.”
When did you start thinking of swimming at a high Division One level? “I have planned to swim in college my whole life. Definitely, when I came to high school, I became more serious about it, and that’s what I hoped for. I have a lot of friends going to Maryland. I’m so excited.”
Coach Lisa Forlini says: “She’s just a great kid. She is every coach’s dream. She’s a hard worker, she’s a good leader, and she sets a good example. It’s not just swimming in the pool for her. It’s a lifestyle choice that she’s made to commit to not just her sport but her general well being in how she trains, how she eats. She makes a lot of sacrifices along the way.
“To be an athlete at this level, they have to be very passionate about it, and because of their passion, they have to make a lot of sacrifices that day-to-day teenagers aren’t making. She does that, and by doing that has really seen herself reach the pinnacle of success in her athletics.
“To have a pleasure to work with an athlete of her caliber – we may never have another swimmer like her. That’s a once in a lifetime thing that doesn’t come along often.
“Jamie and I have had the pleasure of coaching Mel since she was nine. There are times you see her struggle and you work through that, and you see her success and you enjoy that. It’s a real family environment, and I’m happy she made a choice for a school that she wants. This was the choice for her. Everything about it was her decision. We’re really proud of her.”
Coach Jamie Forlini says: “Melanie has a real inner drive to be as successful as she can be. Lisa and I have coached her since she was nine, and when she started swimming with us – all she wanted to do was be the best she can be. She’s very competitive. She has goals, and she worked hard to achieve those goals and as a result has been very successful.
“She comes to practice every day with the right attitude – ready to do what’s asked of her, ready to take on the challenges put before her. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her complain once about a task that’s been given to her. It’s just neat to see because as a coach you don’t always get an opportunity to work with someone like that who’s always looking for ways to get better.
“The best part is she’s a nice kid, and it doesn’t go to her head. She’s very grounded. She knows what she wants to get out of the sport, and she’ll do what she can do to be a better person and athlete.”
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