Feb. 20, 2003

Siena College was made to order for Kelly Pangburn, a student-athlete long on motivation and determination. As a high school senior Pangburn was looking for a place that would showcase her considerable talents while also providing a quality and personalized education. The Loudonville campus proved to be the perfect backdrop. "I really liked Siena's small school atmosphere and the special attention that went with it. Four years later I can honestly say that I have reached greater heights that I could have ever imagined".

In many ways Kelly Pangburn and the Siena women's Swimming program have grown up together. She arrived on campus during the fall of 1999, the first year the school would field a team. "I came to Siena as a member of the first class that would complete all four years in the swimming program and I love that about it." Uniquely enough Pangburn wasn't scared away by the relative newness of the program and actually embraced the challenge as an opportunity to carve her niche. "I felt that I could set an example, kind of put Siena on the map in the swimming world and I think that over the past four years my team has truly done that."

Pangburn showed flashes of brilliance as a freshmen claiming second place in the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle at the MAAC conference championships and third place in the 200-yard freestyle. Not satisfied with near misses, she decided to utilize something particularly important in the grueling sport of swimming; work ethic. "The season is never ending so it's important to train hard during the off-season."

The West Seneca, New York native returned to Siena for her sophomore year re-energized and ready for another run at excellence. This time, all of the hard work paid off as Pangburn earned first place showings at the MAAC Championships in the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle. In addition to the individual victories - the first in the history of the program - the team was beginning to achieve modest success. In just the program's second year the Saints fashioned a record of 8-4, good for fourth place in the MAAC.

Both Pangburn and the Siena women's swimming team were starting to make waves. The team had become competitive quicker than anyone could have imagined. Some of that success led to the recruitment of better talent such as Leah Serbalik, a highly sought after diver from nearby Saratoga, New York. Armed with growing expectations the Saints finished year three with another fourth place showing at the MAAC Championships. Pangburn repeated as champion in the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle, however this time she added another piece of hardware to the mantle, the MAAC's "Most Outstanding Swimmer". The diligence and summer workouts were producing results. "I have strived every year to become better and last year I received the MAAC MVP, a prestigious honor that I will treasure forever". On the board Serbalik proved to be the perfect compliment as she claimed the MAAC's "Most Outstanding Diver".

With the finality of her senior season upon her, Kelly Pangburn and friends have had a season that won't soon be forgotten. Just recently the Saints put the finishing touches on an impressive 8-2 (5-0 MAAC) season. With the magnitude of this being the final go around, it was essential for Pangburn to set the tone early in the season. "During practice and meets I give my all and that seems to make all of the other girls do the same. I'm proud of the team that I have seen grow over the last four years."

With one more run at the MAAC championships in front of her, the greatest swimmer in Siena's young history had some final goals that she hopes to realize. "I'm looking at closing out my 13 year career by setting the MAAC record's in the 500, 1000 and 1650 freestyle events. In reflecting back on her career at Siena, Pangburn also credit's a nurturing family. "I would have never been so successful if my mother had not been there for me through all of these years. I would like to thank her for everything she has done for me."

When Kelly Pangburn arrived at Siena College the school had yet to participate in an actual match. Four years and a truly special swimmer later the bar has been raised and a torch has been passed to the next generation. "I hope I have left my name behind, I want girls to strive to beat my records. Five years from now it would be great to come back to Siena and see the program at an entirely different level". Incredibly Kelly Pangburn's impact on the Siena College swimming and diving program might just be breaking the surface.

~Eric Kopf