Willowbrook senior wins title in IHSA Girls Swimming & Diving State meet

Willowbrook senior Kelly McNamara has added another title to her résumé – champion of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Swimming & Diving 100-yard butterfly.

On Nov. 22, McNamara made her way to the top of the podium after finishing with a time of 54.83 seconds. The State meet took place at Evanston Township High School.

“Winning a State title means a lot, especially because we don't have a pool here (in District 88),” McNamara said. “It's nice to see all the early-morning practices and hard workouts are paying off. I owe so much to my coaches. They put so much time and energy into this team, and I couldn't have accomplished this without them.”

Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swim Team Head Coach Paul Anderson said McNamara’s performance is a reflection of her hard work and dedication.

“It is truly unbelievable what McNamara was able to accomplish with the lack of advantages we have as a program,” Anderson said. “She is a remarkable young woman who did something truly unparalleled in District 88. I am remarkably proud of her and am in awe of what she did.”

McNamara finished in second place in the 100-yard butterfly last year and was named as an All-American this past spring. Athletes who receive that honor are in the top 100 high school swimmers in the U.S. for a given event.
McNamara has been swimming for more than 10 years and plans to continue with the sport in college. She’s considering The University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, Indiana University and University of Minnesota.

“The past four years on the Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swim Team have been amazing, and I wouldn't trade them for anything,” McNamara said. “Some of my favorite high school memories have come from being on this team, and it has introduced me to some incredible people. Joining this team was one of the best decisions I've ever made.”