My Dearest Barracudas,

It is with so many conflicting emotions that I write this email to you all. As many of you may know, I recently graduated from Texas A&M University this past May. (Thank you again to the amazing Board for making that day so special!) After the season ended, I had to dive right in to the "adult world" and make some pretty big decisions career wise. I always thought I would become a high school teacher/swim coach, but that just wasn't in the cards for me. There are very few careers that allow one to also be a summer league swim coach, and unfortunately, the career path I have started upon does not allow me to do so. It is with great sadness, yet acceptance, that I announce that I will not be able to come back to coach at Forest Oaks.

I have been a part of this team the entirety of my swimming career, and you all have become my family. I have poured my heart and soul (and some blood, sweat, and tears) into this team, and couldn't be happier with how this team has evolved. Being able to say I was the head coach for this team this past summer when we won divisionals is something I will forever remember. All of the memories and friendships I have made over the past 13 years will always be cherished.

Now, I know better than to just up and leave my favorite swimmers without a plan. It is my honor to announce the new head coach for the Forest Oaks Barracudas...Coach Tiffani Cruz! I was fortunate enough to be coached by her and coach along side her during the past few years, and I couldn't be happier to have her become head coach!

Before I say my goodbye, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of your little swimmers' lives. This will always be the greatest job I've ever had and I have you all to thank for that.

Thank you all for the wonderful memories, and I wish you all the best of luck in the upcoming seasons! GO FOREST OAKS!

With all my love,

Coach Alie