The key factor for us was persistence and faith. It wasn't a perfect meet for us, but the team stayed focused throughout.

Each speaker has an opportunity to mentor our nation's next generation of role models, and they will talk on a variety of issues -- decision-making, appearance, networking, building relationships -- all the important components of being a success in life.

When you look at the stress she had before her first college meet and the way she handled it, you realize she's a very unique competitor.

We're hoping maybe they can give us some input. It's unique there because you've got casinos, mega hotel resorts and condominiums. We think we're probably more akin to Las Vegas than to Destin, Fla. Destin was pretty much born of condominiums. They had a few hotels, but their condominiums are what put them on the map.

It just skirted around us.

I don't want this new (advisory) committee to tell us what to do -- or they're going to take our support from us. Where were they a year ago? We put ourselves on the line because we love this agency.