Lauren Westmacott,
Past President

I am a self-confessed lifelong water addict. It started early; my parents signed me up for the Nanaimo White Rapids at age 6. They were worried we kids would drown in the backyard pool they put in, and the swim team was cheap in the '80s. Unfortunately for them, this safety precaution turned into twice daily practices (plus water polo), suits, caps, goggles, and travel up and down the island as well as around the province. Eventually, I turned swimming into a job as a coach, and I continued playing water polo through 2 university degrees. When I finished grad school and returned to Victoria for my first "real job," I was lucky enough to find the Victoria Masters Swim Club and was welcomed into the fold in 2007. I now count my teammates as my "swim family" and love the friendships and support I get every time I hop in the pool with them. 

Swimming wasn't enough for me, though, and I felt a need to give back. I joined the BOD of Vic Masters in 2012 and served for 5 years before taking a break. A few years later, I joined the BOD of MSABC as Secretary, Registrar, President, and now Past President. During that time, I also served as President and Past President of Vic Masters. I've enjoyed my board work as it's allowed me to meet so many new people and members of MSABC and to have worked with some really incredible people. As Past President, I hope to contribute to some behind-the-scenes work to support the governance model and ongoing success of MSABC.