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2011 WOTY Finalist - Kelsey Ward

Kelsey Ward

“My passion to be a doctor began when I was very young, and that passion has only grown over the years. My sophomore year of college, my best friend was diagnosed with cancer, and then a second teammate was diagnosed with a brain tumor. These two experiences validated in me how people’s lives are put back together through the dedication of doctors.”

What are they doing now?
Kelsey is currently in Med School.

School: Drury University

Division: II

Conference: Great Lakes Valley Conference

Majors: Chemistry and Biology

Sport: Swimming and Diving

Ward earned numerous academic honors while at Drury, including being
named to the Dean’s List every semester. Named Outstanding Freshman
in Chemistry, she continued to earn accolades and was named a College
Swimming Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American her
freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years. She was a two-time
nominee for the prestigious NCAA Elite 88 honor and was a finalist for
the NCAA Walter Byers Award. She also earned an NCAA postgraduate
scholarship and is studying medicine in Colorado.

Ward, a team captain, helped Drury to three NCAA Division II national
championships during her four years. She also finished in the top 10
at the national championships her senior year in the 50-, 100- and
200-freestyle events. Additionally, she was a member of several recordsetting
relay teams with top finishes at the championships.

Giving back to the community, she helped organize Drury’s annual
blood drive; volunteered with Habitat for Humanity; was a meet timer
for the Special Olympics; and organized a volunteer walk initiative for
a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society “Light the Night” event. She was
treasurer for the Pre-Health Professions Club; a member of Drury’s
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; a member of the American
Chemical Society; and a member of the Tri Beta Honor Society.