Kelci Abernethy '19

Kelci Abernethy ’19 knows what it takes to succeed. As a diver on Bryant’s Division I Women’s Swim & Dive team, she’s been named Northeast Conference (NEC) Diver of the Week ten times, and was NEC Diver of the Year her freshman year. And she’s balanced it all with her coursework — she’s on Bryant’s Dean’s List.

The secret to her success? She credits a strong work ethic. “Sports have taught me you need a lot of discipline and willingness to work hard. The people who are willing to take on the challenge — those are the people that are going to make it,” says Abernethy.

She says support from her coaches and teammates have helped, too. “Our assistant coach, Britni Fisher, always encourages me to work hard. I look up to her; she was a really successful diver. And I really love being part of a team. We push each other to be better. We all coach each other and build off each other’s energy.”

She finds the sense of camaraderie extends beyond the pool to Bryant’s inspiring community. “At Bryant, everyone here is trying to help each other be the best they can be. And since we’re a tightly knit community, when someone succeeds, everyone can see, and it’s really motivating. It keeps us inspired.”

Her professors have provided the guidance to help her succeed as well. “Every professor I’ve had here has always tried to work hard with each student individually,” she says. Her oceanography professor, Dania Whitaker, helped her develop an interest in a topic she hopes will lead to a career in renewable energy. “I just really connected with the way she taught, and how she structured class.”

Now in her junior year, Abernethy is considering diving into a career that blends marketing, sales and advertising with renewable energy – all the while continuing to do what it takes to ensure a winning season.

Real World Experience