Erica Kerner (’23) commits to Springfield College for swimming

Erica Kerner (‘23)  has committed to Springfield College to continue her academic and swimming career. She started swimming at just three years old at Jersey Wahoos and has stuck with the sport ever since. Kerner has swimmed for the East Varsity swim team, Jersey Wahoos, and was a member of the Woodcrest swim team before the Covid-19 epidemic. 

Growing up with two older sisters who swam, Kerner was eager to follow in their footsteps as she always looked up to these years of swimming. Kerner’s best event is the 200 fly and 4 IM, however she puts her best foot forward no matter what. Kerner has experienced a number of injuries throughout the years, with tendinitis being the most recent. She was passionate about swimming in college, therefore she persisted in working toward her objectives despite the injuries. Kerners’ family, friends, and coaches have been her biggest supporters throughout challenges, injuries, and pressure. 

One of the most prominent people in Kerners swimming career is her coach, Dean Hutchinson. In addition to coaching Kerner’s two older sisters, Hutchinson assisted Kerner in overcoming challenges on both a mental and physical level. 

Outside of school, Kerner lifts with her club team, Wahoos, to build strength and reach her goals. Since Kerner swims year-round, she does not have the normal “off season” that many other athletes have. The closest thing she gets to an off season would be the month of August where Kerner chooses to reflect, focus on her mental health and work out. 

Kerner never gave up on her goal to swim for a collegiate team, and choosing Springfield was not a hard decision. 

“Once I stepped on campus I knew it was the place for me, it felt like home” Says Kerner. 

She was drawn to the swim team because they were so welcoming and “easy to bond with”. Kerner appreciated that Springfield provided several options in applied exercise science that may support her in pursuing her dream of being an athletic trainer. In the future, Kerner wants to work with NHL hockey teams. She is eager to enter a new environment, make new friends, and swim with a new team. As Kerner begins this new chapter in her life, there are countless opportunities and plenty to look forward to. We are sending you the best of luck!