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Standout freshman swimmer Kirsten Groome has made a name for herself since her October debut for the Salukis.
Groome has competed in five meets and has already finished first in seven events. She started the season competing in the SIU Miler placing first in the 1,650-yard freestyle with a time of 16 minutes, 24.12 seconds. At the first dual meet of the season at Evansville, Ind., she won the 200 and 500-yard freestyle with times of 1:54.99 and 4:51.95. The women’s team later traveled to Vanderbilt where Groome placed first in the 200 fly and 400 Individual Medley with times of 2:07.30 and 4:30.64.
Before coming to SIU, Groome qualified to go to the world championships to represent the U.S. in Naples, Italy. Groome finished in fourth place in the five-kilometer open water race with a time of 1 hour, 8 minutes and 47 seconds.
SIU swimming head coach Rick Walker happened to be the coach of the U.S. World Championship team at the time, which is how the two met.
Groome said her reason for coming to SIU was because she had already been coached by Walker in the world championships and also because SIU’s swim team is so close knit.
“I had a couple offers from a couple big schools, but I already knew Rick for a couple of years, and SIU’s swim team is more united than other schools’ teams,” Groome said. “The swim team here at SIU is like one complete team, and there is not that separation between men’s and women’s swimming.”
Groome, a native from Shreveport, La., started swimming when she was 6 years old and said she struggled at first.
“When I was little, I saw older kids swimming, and I just knew I wanted to be like them,” Groome said.
Groome said she has always loved everything about swimming.
“I love racing and practicing,” Groome said. “I like feeling like I accomplished something and that I always have something to look forward to.”
Teammate and sophomore swimmer Jennifer Kwok said Groome adds depth to the Salukis lineup.
“She is an amazing swimmer,” Kwok said. “She is a very versatile swimmer that can swim any event and win it,” Kwok said.
Walker said that Groome has made the swimming team better in multiple ways.
“No. 1, she is a fast swimmer and she puts points on the board.” Walker said. “But the most important thing she does for the team is that she is a visible example that through hard work the results will come.”
