Addi Thomas ’26
Vivian Cook ’26
Photo courtesy of Kamau Kegler ’25
Senior swim phenom, Kieran Buckley ’25, embodies determination, grit, and relentless work ethic both in and out of the pool. First introduced to the sport at just six years old, Buckley quickly fell in love. Buckley began her Episcopal swim career in middle school and now serves as captain of the school team and a member of the Episcopal club team, EAAC, competing in various events, but mainly focusing on sprint freestyle.
Head Coach of the EA Swim Team, Brian Kline, shares how he has known Buckley her whole life due to various swim events. Kline recounts the first time seeing Buckley in the water, “I was enthralled, it was awesome, I thought she had a lot of potential in her stroke and there were some things she could work on in order to get better.”
Buckley’s skill is not the only thing that sets her apart as a dedicated and successful athlete but also her leadership. Taking on the role of co-captain is no easy feat. Buckley’s unwavering positivity and energy shine through in practice and competitions alike. Co-captain Joy Ying remarks how “Kieran is always bringing the energy. I can always hear her when I’m up on the [diving] board.” She is a positive asset to the team and truly embodies what hard work looks like and how it pays off.
Buckley’s ability to lead by example is crucial in the success of each swimmer on the team. As a captain, Buckley does an outstanding job creating an atmosphere that combines hard work and fun. Coach Quincy Hyson adds, “When you have someone that’s easy to talk to, they bring positive energy to the group, and they’re doing what they’re supposed to do, you’re gonna have a group of kids that falls in line with that.”
“The best moment in the season so far was the first practice,” says Buckley, “We did something new this year for introduction— we did different types of relays, which everyone found fun.” As a leader on the team, Buckley is able to influence the other swimmers during pool practice and dryland workouts. Buckley is “hard-working and tries to push that energy onto others in the pool.”
Buckley explains that the EA swim program is one of the biggest reasons she’s still swimming because, “everyone on the team and the coaches make it enjoyable.” Looking back on past years, Buckley attributes her drive and desire to swim at the collegiate level to past leaders on the team, Hannah Neilly ’24 and Emma Lunn ’23, saying that they “are what pushed me to be better and want to swim in college as well.”
Looking to this year’s 2024-25 swim season, Buckley believes that the girls’ team “has a lot of potential. We were really good last year, and I think that we’re going to be even better this year—we are just going to push each other to get where we want to be.”
As an individual, Buckley’s goal is to continue improving in the pool and to make the most of her senior season. Buckley looks forward to joining the Providence College swim team next year. Kieran states “if I didn’t swim I would miss it, a lot, I think I’ve always known that. Being on a team with people for the next four years is something I’m really looking forward to.”