Panthers swim coach James Elwyn and senior Audrey Parrish were awarded the titles of 2015 Swim Coach of the Year and Swimmer of the Year, respectively, by the Big Nine League.

Last year, Parrish suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that prevented her from competing at meets, however, Parrish refused to let the injury become a setback.

“I was there at practice about every day working just as hard as the other girls,” Parrish said.

This year, Parrish got the go-ahead to start competing again, and began going after her previous personal bests once more. By the end of the season, she accomplished her goal of nearing her PR in the 100-yard freestyle. Elwyn noticed this dedication and nominated Parrish for the award.

When Parrish read Elwyn’s write-up about her commitment, she was moved by his words.

“I was sorta shocked,” Parrish said. “It was really touching to hear how much he appreciated me.”

Parrish describes the bond between Elwyn and herself as “almost like a father-daughter relationship.”

“He always expects more out of me than I expect out of myself,” Parrish said. “He’s pushed me to do more than I’ve thought I was capable of.”