Willowbrook names February recipient of 88's Best recognition

During the April 13 District 88 Board of Education meeting, senior Kelly McNamara was named as Willowbrook’s February recipient of 88’s Best recognition for her involvement in extracurricular activities.

McNamara has achieved success in a variety of areas, including academics, activities and athletics. When she graduates, McNamara will have completed seven Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level courses, along with a lengthy list of honors courses. She also has maintained a class ranking within the top 25 percent of her class and is an inductee of the World Language Honor Society and Civitas, Willowbrook’s social studies honor society.

McNamara has not only been involved in numerous organizations, but she also has taken prominent leadership roles in several extracurricular activities. She is a four-year member of the Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swim Team, a member of the Girls Track and Field Team, a student ambassador and one of Willowbrook’s representatives at the West Suburban Gold Leadership Conference.

“McNamara is a four-year Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State qualifier and a multiple-time State award-winner in swimming,” said Bob Daly, Willowbrook Athletic Director. “She was the 2014 IHSA Girls Swimming & Diving State champion in the 100-yard butterfly and has even earned All-American honors. McNamara’s athletic accomplishments are long and distinguished. However, they are not what define her. She is a true leader at Willowbrook – in and out of the pool. McNamara will never seek the spotlight, but her work ethic and passion for everything she does forces that spotlight to shine bright on her. She is an outstanding student-athlete and a great Willowbrook Warrior!”

Willowbrook English teacher and Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swim Team coach Tara Murphy agreed.

“McNamara’s dedication to swimming is very visible when looking at the decoration that surrounds her name,” Murphy said. “She has been swimming year-round for the past 11 years and has competed in a multitude of championship meets at various age levels in the state and the nation. Although McNamara has undeniably been blessed with some God-given talent, most of her accomplishments can be attributed to her hard work and daily dedication in the pool.”

Paul Anderson, Head Coach of the Addison Trail-Willowbrook Swim Team, said McNamara is the most decorated swimmer in the team’s history – male or female.

“McNamara is a 16-time West Suburban Conference Gold Division All-Conference selection, an 11-time IHSA All-Sectional selection, a two-time IHSA All-State Honorable Mention, a two-time IHSA All-State First Team selection and a two-time National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) All-American,” Anderson said. “On top of all that, McNamara is the defending IHSA State champion in the 100-yard butterfly – the first State champion in District 88’s history in swimming. She achieved that success due to an incredible work ethic and a drive that is truly unparalleled. I am proud to have been able to coach her during her four years as a member of the Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swim Team. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to be impressed by all she has accomplished for the remainder of my coaching career.”

McNamara will attend The University of Iowa, where she has accepted a scholarship to swim.