Drew University Athletics

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Kathryn Swenor

 

Why did you choose Drew University?
I decided to attend Drew University for several reasons, but the main reason is the campus’ proximity to New York City. I love the fact that the city is close and I can travel in whenever the opportunity presents itself. I grew up going into the city almost every weekend and hope to live there one day.  

Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
I decided to major in communications with a double minor in political science and business because I have always been interested in media and the world of broadcasting. I am specifically interested in political communication, hence the minor in political science. My favorite course I took was in the fall of my sophomore year, Theory and Practice of Media Communication. This course examined many forms of media communication and we were able to practice writing with different forms of media.

What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
The most memorable moment as a Ranger was my junior year when my doubles partner and I won our doubles flight during the annual NJAIAW tournament. My partner and I played three matches to reach the finals and we ended up winning 8-1 against Stockton. This was memorable because not only did we win but it was some of the best doubles play that I played in a long time and it was such an enjoyable experience.

How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being a student athlete has taught me the use of time management, which is especially helpful in the classroom. Between practices, matches, exams, papers, etc. I had to learn to manage my time and figure out how to get everything done on time.

What is the most difficult part of your sport?
The most difficult part of tennis is the individual aspect of the sport. We play singles matches with the hopes of winning for not only ourselves, but also for the team. If we lose at our singles matches it is not only a loss for our own record but it could also impact the team in winning the overall match.

What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
Being a student athlete is an amazing part of the college experience. You get to go through your college career doing something that not everyone does. My advice is to get to know your other student athletes on campus, hanging out with your team is great, but also getting to know other teams and going to their games shows supports for the whole Ranger community. You’re only on a team for four years, make sure it is special.

Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
Along with being a student-athlete, I am also a Civic Scholar so community service is very important. Helping out our community, allows us to be role models for other students and shows the community that we want to give back to all the people that support us.

Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
An obstacle that I had to overcome is that I have never applied myself enough. This can be said about tennis, school and relationships. I have always spread myself too thin with too many activities in my life and I never fully applied myself. I overcame this by focusing on what is the most important priority in my life at the current moment and trying my best to succeed at that task.

Rapid Fire:
Color: Blue
Food: Italian
Restaurant: The Ebbitt Room (located in Cape May)
Movie: Beastly
Book: Thirteen Reasons Why 
Musical Artist: Avril Lavigne
Athlete: Rickie Fowler
Pro Team: New York Jets
Hobbies: Going to the beach, hanging with friends, watching sports  
Biggest Fear: Being alone
Most Prized Possession: My car