NAC Masters: Getting to Know Tracey Williamson

Getting to Know Tracey Williamson

Swimming royalty, Dolly the rescue dog, and Super Cinnamon Swirls!

Q-Tell us about your life and family here in Nashville?

Nashville has been home since 1984. I moved here after graduating from the University of Florida to work in the R&D Department at Winners Corporation.  I lived at the Caulkins’ residence for several months and almost immediately joined the NAC Masters swim team. At that time, practices were held in the original NAC pool that was located on Oceola Ave. I met my husband there, Mike, on January 1, 1985. We were married almost two years later.  We have two fine, young, adult sons, Dylan (30) and Patrick (28) and a perfect rescue dog, Dolly. 

Q-How did you find NAC?

When the pandemic hit, tennis was the only activity I could do with other people. It was a saving grace. That year, however, I had a cancer scare and I had to have surgery and radiation. I needed a way to rehabilitate and get stronger. I began thinking about swimming and looked into NAC Masters. I reached out to Ashley and she remembered me from 7Hills.  She was so welcoming and encouraging that I decided to give Masters a try again. 

Q- How does it compare to your kids’ training at 7-hills?

Since I grew up swimming on the Randy Reese Swim Team in Jacksonville, FL, it seemed only natural to seek a swim program for our young sons.  When Dylan was six, we joined Seven Hills Swim and Tennis Club.  Both boys swam for Coach Amy Caulkins in the summer league for six-seven seasons. Their summer league workouts were a lot louder and shorter than our Masters practices; Amy was intentional about the sets similar to how Ashley is with us.  

Q-How important is Ashley to your training?

Ashley is a primary reason that I’m back in the pool.  When I first returned, I was weak and hesitant about the workouts. It had been many years since I’d done interval work; I had a lot of fear about what I could do physically. Ashley’s positive outlook and kind words were always supportive; she gave me the confidence I needed to stick with the program. Ashley continues to do so and allows me opportunities to challenge myself in healthy ways. I’m so grateful for her positive presence poolside, her commitment to excellence, and her devotion to our sport. 

Q-What gets you up in the morning? 

Now, Ashley would agree that I need to get out of the bed earlier.  I often miss warmups and somewhat dread the initial jump. But once there, I truly enjoy swimming with my peeps. The pace and sets are like my teenage workouts and make me feel young and at home in the water. Swimming also helps me practice mindfulness and the locker room chatter keeps me in the know!

Q-What are your goals in swimming and in life? 

My primary goal is to continue having an active and adventurous lifestyle! I see myself swimming for the rest of my life. The smell of chlorine, the gentle splashes of other swimmers, and immersing myself in that cool water with teammates are the perfect way to start any day.  For now, though, I’m only making it to the pool twice a week. The rest of my time I spend teaching middle school children, playing tennis and traveling with family and friends. I’m currently preparing for an epic Tour du Mont Blanc Hike this summer. 

Q-What’s something about you that folks may be surprised to learn?

I majored in Food Science and Nutrition at UF and helped develop the Super Cinnamon Swirl. It was a featured breakfast item at Mrs. Winner’s Chicken and Biscuits and had a gazillion calories.

Q-What do your friends say when you tell them you get up so early to swim?

My friends are often amazed.  Many know that I was a competitive swimmer growing up, so I guess they assume that’s just what I do. 

Q-What have I missed? 

You haven’t asked about our garden!  Mike and I are organic gardeners. I tend to the flowers and herbs while Mike grows asparagus, blueberries, raspberries, potatoes, basil, figs, tomatoes, and garlic.  Dolly wears herself out chasing away the squirrels and rabbits!