AFTER 10 years in Port Macquarie, Mekayla Everingham will go from being a big fish in a small pond to a small fish in a big pond.
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The 18-year-old will head to Sydney on Sunday to start a four-year university degree where she will also begin a swimming scholarship.
"I got a scholarship to St Andrews College which is a residential college on the campus of Sydney University so I'll be attending uni and doing secondary teaching in PE and maths," she said.
"The scholarship happened through my new coach mostly because one of his swimmers recommended me to the principal down there."
Everingham labelled the next step of her career as a bit daunting, but it was also one she was looking forward to.
"It's a new chapter and it's a fresh start so I'll just see how far I can go in Sydney," she said.
"I love my squad here because they're great kids and I'll miss them and my family. In my Port Macquarie squad I'm the eldest and then the next ones are 16 so there's quite a big gap between me and the other kids whereas at my new squad they're all around the same age so everyone's at the same place; everyone's going through the same things at the same time."
The talented teenager who recently won gold at the State Age Championships said she looked up to national swimmers such as fellow Port local James Magnussen.
"I swam with James when he was younger and when I was younger and we're good family friends. I've been in Port Macquarie for nearly 10 years and have learnt a lot from my coaches here including Michael (Mullens).
"James has done a lot, but he's a Port boy and I'll always be a Port girl there's no doubt about it."
Everingham said she had looked at trying out for the Australian Institute of Sport but felt the opportunity in Sydney was too good to refuse.
"We looked at the AIS but Sydney seemed like a better fit because they did the degree I want to do and I want to try and make a career out of swimming but if that doesn't work I have to have a back up."
She said the secret to any success was being able to enjoy doing what you're doing.
"If you don't you couldn't do the four o'clock mornings, that's for sure," Everingham said.
"But I have a very good working relationship with Michael [coach Michael Mullens].
"He knows when to push me and I know when to push him, but hard work is the key to everything. Nothing comes natural.
"Without the support of the local swimming club I wouldn't be where I am."
