By TORI ADDISON
Staff Writer
Kelsey Kraft knows a thing or two about what it’s like to dive head first into a pool full of opponents and swim vigorously until reaching the finish line.
“I started competitive swimming when I was about 12, but I’ve always been a swimmer ever since I can remember,” Kraft said.
As most beginners, she started her career by joining a summer league in her hometown in California. The sport became more competitive as she grew older, but she never gave up on her dreams to compete as a swimmer.
As you can imagine, choosing a college so far away from home was difficult, but Kraft knew Saint Rose was the perfect fit for both her educational and athletic needs. Even after visiting several schools in Southern California, she was still hooked on becoming a Golden Knight. “Saint Rose allowed me to be at a small school, but still swim competitively,” said Kraft. “It’s also known for its strong teacher education program, so that attracted me to the school as well.”
Although she admits that initial adjustment to the level of competition and intense commitment that came along with the transition from high school to collegiate athletics was difficult at first, things became easier as she settled in. “Doing sports in college takes more time than people think and it becomes an integral part of your life,” she said. The biggest difference between competing at a high school level compared to that of college, she said, is the length of the season and the constant training that goes along with it. Yet, her decision to attend college at Saint Rose never failed to disappoint, as she has not only been a major contributor to the swim team, but was also named to the NE-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for both semesters of her sophomore and junior years and is also a Dean’s List student.
While her senior season has reached its end, Kraft concluded her career on a high note by claiming the school record in the 100-meter Butterfly event. She said, “It was a goal I had set for myself when I first came to Saint Rose, and to finish my collegiate swimming career with a personal record was the icing on the cake. I worked hard all season and made a lot of sacrifices, and it paid off. It’s a moment that I’ll never forget.” After graduation she will be taking a year off, but will continue to work toward her masters degree soon after that. “I would like to work in a pre-k or kindergarten classroom,” says Kraft. “I’m not sure if I’ll move back to California for good. I guess we will have to wait and see,” she said.
Kraft’s athletic career as a swimmer at Saint Rose has been extremely impressive to say the least. Her expertise in the butterfly has landed her countless first-place recognitions throughout her collegiate career, and she notes the support from her mother for her continual success. Through the thick and thin that comes with juggling school and athletics, Kraft said, “She’s been my biggest fan and number one supporter of not only my swimming, but everything I do. She’s a strong role model, is always pushing me to do my best, and encouraging me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now if it wasn’t for her.”
By proving that hard work and perseverance pays off in both the classroom and the pool, Kraft will be graduating from Saint Rose knowing that she left her mark here at the college.
As she perfectly put it, “Always think of the big picture. Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused on your goals, but the hard work that you put into your training day after day, will show at the end of your season. It’s the little things you do each day that add up.”
