Another year has passed and that means it’s time to bestow the Elizabeth (“Betsey”) Kassen award onto one of our stellar TWIM teammates! If you are newer to TWIM and wondering what this is all about, it points back to the early days when TWIM was a mere twinkle in our founders’ eyes. Betsey was there from the start and an integral part of making TWIM what it is today.
As Scott Neuhaus, prior TWIM member, so aptly pointed out in the inaugural year of the award:
“Some pretty special congratulations are in order for anyone garnering even a single vote for the Elizabeth “Betsey” Kassen Award. Finalists for the award exemplify the spirit Betsey, herself, exuded when she swam for our team. She dominated in the pool with a competitive attitude that is the benchmark for us all and it is that approach that buoys us, mentally, physically and in spirit as we anticipate coming competitions“.
Spirit is where personality lives—in the little moments, the sensory details, the playful asides, the emotional beats. That’s the good stuff.
TWIM is full of extraordinary individuals who are tremendous supporters of the swimming community. Often, what seem like ordinary moments go uncelebrated, yet they can have the greatest impact.
To everyone coaching, cheering, showing up and volunteering, officiating, and organizing—you represent the spirit of this award.
To those welcoming a new swimmer and making space to share a lane, you are the spirit of TWIM.
To those offering support when life presents its challenges, you are the spirit of TWIM.
With that spirit in mind, it’s time to recognize the TWIM teammates who most embody Betsey’s competitive drive, commitment, and team-first mindset. This year’s nominees consistently show up, push themselves and others, and elevate our team both in and out of the pool.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s Elizabeth Kassen Achievement of Excellence Award nominees…
Over the last couple of weeks, we asked each TWIM Booster Club Board member to nominate between one and five TWIM members who they feel truly exemplify Betsey’s spirit. The response was thoughtful, enthusiastic, and—honestly—pretty inspiring.
While two TWIM members clearly stood out in terms of nominations received, we first want to give well-deserved high fives to five others who each earned a nomination: Emily Castillo, Kathy Pelham, Dave Scott, Kelly Vikstrom, and Colleen Wahlstrom.
Since joining the Board, Emily has contributed valuable insights into improving our operations and has generously volunteered her time to support both clinics and meets. Head Coach Kathy has faithfully taken minutes at every Board meeting and has spearheaded the mailing of TWIM caps and President’s Letters to each new or renewing TWIM member. Dave may have recently stepped away from the Board, but he continues to support TWIM in countless ways—from website support to 3D-printing TWIM memorabilia. And like Emily, Kelly and Colleen have each contributed enormously to our day-to-day operations behind the scenes.
Hear, hear for Emily, Kathy, Dave, Kelly, and Colleen—we are so grateful for all you do!
And now… 🥁 drum roll, please…
The two TWIM members receiving the highest number of nominations this year are…
Jessi Gable
Our runner-up Betsey Award nominee is Jessi Gable — and is it any wonder she’s a top contender?
As her nominators so perfectly put it, Jessi’s involvement in TWIM is phenomenal. She is always bringing great ideas to the TWIM Board and, even more impressively, putting strong marketing ideas into action. Jessi proudly represented TWIM at the annual Relay Forum in Houston two years ago, serving as a true ambassador for our team.
When she’s not busy pursuing her master’s degree or supporting TWIM, Jessi somehow still finds time to coach both TWIM-mers and swimmers alike down in Centralia. But Jessi doesn’t just coach our TWIM South group — she is the spirit of the group. She not only helps swimmers achieve their goals; she builds love, connection, and community wherever she goes.
Always up for an adventure, Jessi is your gal. If you stick by her side and trust her impeccable judgment, you just might find yourself jumping into the water with ocean life in Alaska.
Jessi, we are so thankful for your boundless energy, adventurous spirit, and deep love for people. You truly embody what it means to be TWIM, and you are a huge part of what makes this team so special.
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The recipient of this year’s Elizabeth Kassen Achievement of Excellence Award — for exemplifying the very best of what it means to be a TWIM teammate — is…
Dan Underbrink
Garnering the most nominations this year was our own hard-working President. Congratulations, Dan!
As one nominator put it:
“I would nominate Dan five times if I could. Dan works tirelessly for TWIM and our local swimming community. He keeps the Board organized and productive. He’s at just about every meet, and he’s the best teammate you could ask for.“
And from another:
“Dan is the best kind of leader—thoughtful, dedicated, passionate about swimming and about supporting our teammates, and unfailingly kind. We are so lucky to have him at TWIM’s helm.“
It’s hard to imagine anyone working harder for TWIM. Not only does Dan organize and lead our monthly Board meetings, but he also gives generously of his time to our parent organization, PNA, serving as a director on their Board as well. As Tom Walker has said more than once, “We are sooo lucky to have Dan as our President!“
More than anything, Dan lives for swimming. If there’s a meet within a six-hour drive, chances are he’s registered—and signed up for the most demanding events. Open water included. His annual Swims Around Mercer Island (SAMI) are the stuff of legend.
Bravo, Dan. We are incredibly grateful for all that you do!
— Holly Lickwala and Carl Haynie
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