Koerckel's decision to return to the team is not surprising. However, her stellar performance upon that return was unexpectedly impressive.

"The time off didn't really effect my performance," Koerckel says. "I ran and walked during my time off to stay in shape, but I didn't swim. After the time off, I found that I really wanted to be back. I had no expectations for my performance, and that relaxed me and allowed me to perform at a high level."

Koerckel's performance since her return has helped Harvard to become a favorite in the Ivy League and for the Eastern Championships.

"I and everyone else have had a really good season so far. We are swimming really well," she says. "We have a small squad that makes every member important."

"I have become more versatile because of the nature of college swimming," Koerckel adds. "I swim different events for different meets. This season I have started racing the breast stroke. I had never done that before, but with the dynamics of the team, I had to."

The 23-year-old senior is an anthropology concentrator, but she is looking elsewhere for the future.

"I am thinking about going into sports management," Koerckel says, "I want to work with amateur athletics for a while, possibly with the NCAA. I am also thinking of working with for the Olympic Committee. The 2000 games are in Sydney, and my parents live in Sydney."

Swimming does not factor into her plans, as Koerckel plans to retire in February, but the value of her experience here has been enormous.

"It is great to be on the team and have that support," she says. "It has been an important part of my experience here at Harvard. It is a social experience that many people don't have the chance to be involved with."

The real question is whether Koerckel's retirement will be final or if it will prove to be only another short break from a labor of love.