As the season wound down, Abby Nemeth slowly has been realizing her high school swimming career was coming to its end. She wasn't among those who advanced to districts recently, but being out of the limelight hasn't bothered her.

Yet, it has been a classic case of one door closing and another door opening for her.

The Whitehall senior initially joined the program during her freshman year as an after-school outlet, but she soon developed a true passion for the sport.

"At first, I thought swimming would be something for me to do after school to keep me from just sitting around the house," admitted Nemeth. "But I really began to love to swim. I enjoyed it my freshmen year, and it (swimming) began to become a major part of my life."

"(Swimming) took on a new meaning for me since I started swimming at an early age."

Nemeth began his involvement with the sport in third grade when she joined the Whitehall Waves. From there, she became more involved with the program every year until she began serving in the capacity of a coach over the past two years.

"I really enjoy coaching," she stressed. "It is a real joy working with younger kids and being able to give back to the program. Coaching is something I can see myself doing in the future."

Head coach Pete Rile has recognized her dedication to her program over the past four years, and can envision Nemeth maintaining a relationship with the sport.

"Abby has always been one of the hardest workers around and quietly goes about her business," Rile said. "She is a quiet leader and has always helped out with the younger swimmers. Abby is a polite, intelligent, young woman who will have a bright future.

"Abby wasn't a swimmer who gained a lot of individual honors, but she has been one of the more supportive swimmers we have had in the program."

Next season, Nemeth has investigated the possibilities of attending Wilkes University to begin a career in prepharmacy, a career option that has intrigued her since eighth grade. She was also influenced by her mother Lori, who is a pharmacy technician. Nemeth has also been supported by her father, Mark, and younger brother Adam, who is also a swimmer in the program.

When she isn't involved with swimming, Nemeth has been involved with the school's National Honor Society and the school chorus, the latter being an activity she has enjoyed since elementary school.

In addition, she has also been involved with various service projects since her sophomore year.

"I would like to swim in college, but I know the workload of my major will be pretty heavy,' she said. "But I do want to try and keep singing. I think I will be able to manage the time for that.

"It is hard to think that swimming (at Whitehall) is over. It (swimming) was a lot of fun and we all really became close over the years. But I know I have to move on to another phase of my life."

Judging by her altruistic lifestyle and overall dedication, her new challenges shouldn't have too many bumps in the road.