For Norwalk’s own Kate Fedor, swimming has always been more than just a sport it’s been part of who she is. Growing up in the pools, Kate started swimming at a young age and spent countless hours perfecting her technique, building endurance, and pushing herself to new limits. Her dedication and competitive spirit quickly set her apart.
Despite years of club swimming expierence, Kate didn’t officially compete for her high school team until her senior year. From the first practice, her leadership and worth ethic stood out. She brought an intensity and focus that inspired her teammates. In meets, Kate was known for her powerful strokes and strong finishes.
Her final high school season was one to remember, not just for the success in the pool, but for what it represented: years of effort coming together at the perfect time. Behind the scenes, Kate was also preparing for one of the biggest moments in her athletic journey. The college recruitment process.
Kate started getting emails from schools like Vanderbilt, Bucknell, Washington state, and Rutgers the summer going into her junior year. Navigating college recruitment as a swimmer can be demanding. It means balancing academics, training, and communication with coaches. For Kate, the process was about finding the right fit both athletically and academically. She reached out to schools and ended up taking an official visit to Alabama and Penn State to learn more about those specific teams since those were the two she was most interested in. When Penn State University entered the picture everything clicked. They gave her good money and the team and coaches were perfect.
“The first time I talked with the coaches, I just had this feeling that Penn State was the place for me,” Kate said. “The team culture, the facilities, and the level of competition all felt like home.”
After visiting campus and meeting the swimmers, her decision became clear. The combination of strong academics and a top tier swim program made Penn State the perfect place for her next chapter.
Committing to a Division 1 program is no small accomplishment. It represents years of early mornings and tough practices. “I’ve dreamed about swimming in college since I was little,” she said. “For it to be official is something really special. I’m so thankful for my coaches, teammates, and family who supported me through everything.”
Now, as she prepares to trade her high school cap for Penn State blue and white. Kate is ready for what’s next, faster times, new goals, and new challenges. Her journey from the pools of Norwalk to one of the nation’s top swimming programs is proof that dedication and belief in yourself can take you anywhere.
