March 31, 2003
Name: Kelly Pangburn
Team: Women's Swimming
Year: Senior
Hometown: West Seneca, NY
The Scoop:
Kelly Pangburn has developed into one of the elite swimmers in the MAAC. Kelly's accomplishments can be seen throughout the Siena record books. In her freshman year, she claimed second place in the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle and third in the 200-yard freestyle at the MAAC Championships. From that point, there was no looking back. As a sophomore Kelly led the Saints to a much improved 8-4 record and captured first place at the MAAC Championships for both the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle events. Kelly earned MAAC "Most Outstanding Swimmer" award her junior season as she repeated her 500 and 1650-yard freestyle titles. As a senior, Kelly found success once again. Siena women's swimming team compiled an impressive regular season record of 8-2 (5-0 MAAC). At the MAAC Championships Kelly defended her 500 and 1650-yard freestyle titles adding 1000-yard freestyle.
What do you enjoy most about Siena Swimming?
"All my teammates and their different personalities are definitely the best part of Siena Swimming. I spend more time with them during the season than I do with any other people on campus. We are all so close, like a family. I feel I always have someone to relate to since we all are experiencing the same thing."
What is your most gratifying achievement while at Siena?
"Winning MAAC MVP. I had worked so hard to be the best swimmer I could be and it was nice to be recognized by Siena, but also by all the other schools in the conference. I felt a sense of pride for my family, friends, school and all who helped me throughout my career."
Who has been the most influential person throughout your career?
"My mother definitely is the most influential person in my career. She is a constant stream of support and she is always there to push me to do the best I can do. She is a positive person who is always ready to lend her ear or give advice on swimming and life."
What are your plans for after graduation?
"I'm an accounting major so I have the background to enter that field . Right now I am not sure if I am committed to become an accountant or if I want to go in another direction."
What do people generally not know about Siena Swimming?
"The biggest thing that goes unnoticed is the time commitment. People really don't understand how much time we put in to be able to compete at such a high level. We have our first practice at 5 am and then our second, and sometimes third, practice later in the afternoon. Every weekend we have our meets, swimming is very physically draining on the body."
