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Kelly McNamara is a senior on the University of Iowa women’s swimming and diving team. The Villa Park, Illinois, native currently sits third in the Iowa record books in the 100 fly and fifth in the 200 fly.
What goals does the team hope to accomplish this season?
“We try to do well at the dual meets, but at the end of the season we strive to do well in the Big Ten.”
How as the team transitioned from your junior year to senior year?
“It’s a smaller team, but this has been the most connected team that I have been a part of in my four years as a swimmer here.”
What has been your favorite memory surrounding the team?
“Our training trip in general. Being in Florida with the nice weather and being around the team is just so fun.”
What is your best advice for this year’s freshmen?
“Take it one day at a time. I think it’s easy to lose track during our season because it seems so long. Try not to get wrapped up in it.”
How does it feel to be a senior on the team?
“I think I have more perspective than I did as a freshman. As a freshman, I felt wide-eyed, but after being around the block, I can present myself much better now.”
What is the best advice you have ever been given by a coach?
“To focus on myself before races. It’s too easy to focus on other people before a race, so I was taught to focus on my race and my strategy.”
Who has been the most influential person to you since you’ve come to Iowa?
“Probably (assistant coach) Richard (Salhus) after he came in my sophomore year. He has changed my perspective on a lot of things, including swimming.”
What made you chose Iowa?
“I came on my trip and had so much fun. After that visit I knew I was going to come here.”
If not swimming, what other sport would you enjoy doing the most?
“I did a lot of running growing up so most likely I’d get back on the track.”
What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“I spend time at the engineering building because the atmosphere is so conducive to studying.”
Favorite meal?
“Any sort of pasta.”
Who is your favorite person on the team to be around and why?
“Meghan Hackett because she’s a very positive person. We swim the same events at similar speeds and our lockers are next to each other, too.”
Favorite book?
“The Slight Edge”
Favorite TV show?
“Grey’s Anatomy.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
“Mind reading.”
If you could put yourself in any fictional universe, where would you go?
“It would have to be in Harry Potter.”
