Stepping Forward – Laher uses past experiences to help guide young Mustangs

Learning can provide a unique path to leadership.

Just ask Morningside University junior women's swimmer Makenna Laher.

As she stepped forward before 2021-22 as a team captain option, she was leaning on experiences she's had from various teams she's been a part of. However, no education was more extensive than hers as a student-athlete for the Mustangs. 

"Being around a strong group of upperclasswomen during my first two seasons allowed me to see the right way to do things," the Omaha, Neb., native, reflected. "So when (head coach Bryan) Farris asked about captains for this year, I figured I could do what I had seen others before me do."

As you look at Laher's entire competitive career, her learning has guided her on a path to competing in the 2022 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic Championships.

"When I was little, I followed my older sister everywhere she went like kids do," she said. "She swam, so I did, too. Mariah competes collegiately at Nebraska Wesleyan, and here I am at Morningside."

"The interesting thing about all of that is we both had someone we put our athletic footsteps in earlier in life," she added. "My dad was a competitive runner. Watching him fueled a hobby for me as I love just to get out and run, but when he competed, I enjoyed the atmosphere."

Her life's education continues in Sioux City. Laher was trying to find a way to lower times and be stronger racing-wise, so she decided to join in with others who converted from eight weekly practices to 10.

"I'm seeing so many benefits from that," she admitted. "I've got my times down to where they were when I was swimming at Omaha Burke High School."

Laher loves the role of captain with an energetic and still youthful Mside women's squad. "These freshmen just have so much energy," she said. "It's great."

"I've taken a page from that energy into what I do as a captain," she said. "I'm aware, as one of the team leaders, that all of the components of personality, that energy, and so forth need to work together. This season has shown that. We're all supporting each other, cheering others in races, and so on. I feel like now, when current senior captain James Spicer is done after this year, I have more understanding of planning and taking some duties off the coaches plates such as team meetings."

Laher will also teach the next generation of Mustangs swimming team captains. 

"There's such a support system in this program," she said. "We're very close-knit. The younger athletes learn and understand this – a lot like I did. They'll be ready to take leadership roles when they're asked."