Skidmore College Athletics

A dedicated member of the women's swimming & diving team her entire college career, this trailblazing Thoroughbred propelled Skidmore onto the national stage. Her powerful stroke and exceptional speed set records that remain among the best in program history.
 
The first Skidmore swimmer to qualify for National Collegiate Athletic Association competition, she swam the 50-yard freestyle in 24.89 seconds and powered through the 100-yard freestyle in 55.43 seconds, both unprecedented achievements. Her remarkable performance garnered Kate Skidmore Athlete of the Year honors. She put in countless hours of rigorous practice while maintaining a stellar academic record and serving as a peer mentor. Today, Kate stands 3rd in all-time 50-yard freestyle and 8th in 100-yard freestyle.
 
A natural leader who sought to inspire and unite her teammates, Kate's trademark laugh and contagious humor brought them closer together. She was modest about her own achievements, recalls Nicole Morrione Graziano '94. "Kate's focus was on rallying the team, supporting every swimmer in the pool and working hard each and every day." Team captain her senior year, Kate also challenged the women to push past obstacles and concentrate on their goals.
 
Beth Atkins '92 observes, "Very rarely do you come across an athlete that talented who has not only the admiration of her peers, but also their genuine love."