KAYLA DRAKE | Multimedia Producer

Senior Sommerlyn Stevens has multiple motivational messages inked on her body. Her messages take the form of a lion, to show courage, a shark, to drive out fear, and a swimmer, to help her focus. 

“I love those motivating – take from your past and move forward – type tattoos,” she said.

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Stevens started competitive synchronized swimming at a young age. While in high school, Stevens mom paid for her first tattoo. The tattoo depicts a swimmer and her favorite quote, “free your mind and dive in.” 

Stevens was on the synchronized swimming team for three years and for her senior year switched to rugby. 

Stevens has a total of five tattoos and lets her artist keeps the stencils in case other people want her tattoos. 

“If somebody wants the same thing as me, I don’t care,” she said.

Stevens said tattoos are addicting and is planning to start a half-sleeve soon. 

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