Long-time Swim Family Says Reluctant Goodbye to Chattahoochee Gold

Busy preparing for her move from Woodstock-based Chattahoochee Gold swim team to the University of Tampa to start the next chapter in her swim & academic journey, the youngest member of the Blase family reflects on how she got here; Lainey Blase says, "Chattahoochee Gold has meant a lot to me because I have grown throughout the years at Gold and met some of my closest friends. My favorite experience has been watching the people around me grow as athletes and being someone who other people look up to. Gold has set me up for a great college experience and help me reach my goals."

Two years ago, her sister Laurel made a similar transition; she committed to the University of Alabama. But Chattahoochee Gold still has a place in her heart, "Chattahoochee Gold gave me many of my good friends, who I am still close to even as a rising senior in college. I also gained a strong work ethic and a sense of internal motivation through Gold, which will serve me for life. My most memorable experience with Gold was the support I received from my teammates and family when I got my Olympic Trials cut (qualifying time). I felt very loved and celebrated after all the hard work I had put in to get there."

For both Blase girls, the Gold coach most responsible for their ability to thrive in the water and earn an opportunity to swim in college is Mark Schilling. Laurel asserts, "Coach Mark has absolutely had the greatest impact on me throughout my time with Gold. He is an amazing mentor and coach to not only myself; he pours himself into every athlete he has the chance to coach. Mark gave me the strong work ethic, motivation, and ability to achieve my dreams within the sport of swimming. I was so lucky to have him as a coach." Lainey concurs, "Coach Mark has had the biggest impact on me because I see him as both a friend and a mentor. He has taught me so much about myself and made me a better person in the pool and out. I can go to him with just about anything and get great advice."

Since 1995, for countless area families Chattahoochee Gold has been a family affair. For the Blases, that means parents Larry and Tori with camera on deck capturing up-close images & sharing all the exciting moments at swim meets with the team & newspaper. Laurel says, "It was always comforting and encouraging to look over and see my mom or dad snapping a photo of me before a race; even at some of the biggest meets of my swimming career. I’m very grateful to Gold for giving us a chance to have that experience." Tori offers, "Gold Swim Club has been such a great part of our lives. I have loved watching our girls grow up and enjoy a sport they have loved, seeing them with their friends and coaches, and all the great memories made all these years." Larry concludes, "Chattahoochee Gold has meant a tremendous amount to our family over the past two decades, way back to Gold swim lessons keeping our girls safe in the water. Gold coaches' mentoring has had such a positive impact, leading Laurel and Lainey to the rare opportunity to compete on the collegiate level."

The Blases parting with Chattahoochee Gold coincidentally comes with the departure of Gold founders Pat and Beth Murphy who started the team 33 years ago. Gold was purchased by former Gold coach Mike Wardwell. The Blase girls speak of the Chattahoochee Gold founders with love; Lainey says, "Pat and Beth have been absolutely amazing to my family for many years and we’ve been blessed to have such a great relationship with them." Laurel recollects, "Pat and Beth have been so supportive of my sister and I throughout my time with Gold. I remember that Beth wrote me a very sweet note and got me a gift after I got my Olympic Trials cut my senior year; personal touches like that from Pat and Beth have made my time with Gold so special." Larry reflects on Chattahoochee Gold's legacy and what lies ahead, "Pat and Beth Murphy have played a tremendous role for countless families and put Cherokee County on the map in the world of competitive swimming; we fully expect new owner Mike Wardwell to continue what the Murphys started."