UNCW's Ostrom Receives Randolph Inspiration Award
Kelly McCarthy
RICHMOND, Va. (August 2, 2017) – UNCW women’s swimmer Kathryn Ostrom was selected as the recipient of the 2017 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award by the Colonial Athletic Association.
The award recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William & Mary athletic director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.
“Kathryn is an inspiration to all UNCW athletes, past, present and future. Her ability to come back and compete at such a high level was nothing short of amazing,” said UNCW Head Coach
Jason Memont. “Kathryn never asked for this recognition, but her story will be part of our swim program for years to come. I personally would like to thank her for the attitude and work ethic that she brought to our team this past season. I am so excited to watch Kathryn grow into the incredible person that I know she can be.”
After undergoing heart valve surgery and missing two seasons, Ostrom hit the water once again for the Seahawks during the 2016-17 campaign. She didn’t seem to skip a beat during her senior season, placing fifth in 100 breaststroke and 11th in 200 breaststroke at the 2017 CAA Championships.
Ostrom, who had been diagnosed with a heart murmur as an infant, persevered throughout her childhood, landing a spot on the UNCW Swimming & Diving team. She had a stellar freshman season, finishing fifth at the CAA Championships in the 100 breaststroke and 12th in the 200 breaststroke. But, during a routine doctor’s visit at the start of her sophomore season, she was told that her condition had worsened, she had to limit her physical activity and surgery would be required on her defective heart valve.
Despite not being able to compete, Ostrom never left the pool or the program, serving as team manager and doing whatever she could to help the team until her surgery. In December 2014, Ostrom finished her final exams and headed home to Minnesota for her valve replacement surgery at the Mayo Clinic. Her valve was removed and it was replaced with a cow’s tissue valve. She was back in Wilmington for the spring semester.
With the help and support of her teammates, Ostrom began the long road to recovery. Swimming seemed to be firmly on the back burner, but Ostrom was cleared to go back into the pool for her senior season. She pushed herself every day, eventually returning to form and helping the Seahawks to a successful season.
| Randolph Award Recipients |
| 2017 |
Kathryn Ostrom |
UNCW |
| 2016 |
Nicole Dennion |
Elon |
| 2015 |
Dr. Maravene Loeschke |
Towson |
| 2014 |
Heather Hartman |
Delaware |
| 2013 |
Nick Colleluori |
Hofstra |
|
UNCW Women's Soccer |
|
| 2012 |
Shelia Moorman |
James Madison |
| 2011 |
Steven Vincent |
Delaware |
| 2010 |
Dawn Evans |
James Madison |
| 2009 |
Meghan Bain |
James Madison |
| 2008 |
T.J. Carter |
UNCW |
| 2007 |
Nicole Hester |
Drexel |
| 2006 |
Kevin DuPrey |
Delaware |
| 2005 |
Julia Shapiro |
Delaware |
| 2004 |
Beth Childs |
Drexel |
|
Alan Lindsey |
James Madison |
|
Brannon Thomas |
William & Mary |
| 2003 |
Ricky Beecher |
Towson |
| 2002 |
Paul Tuohey |
Drexel |
| 2001 |
Mandy Welch |
Delaware |
| 2000 |
Laura Kenney & Liz Paoli |
George Mason |
| 1999 |
Maria-Elena Calle |
VCU |
| 1998 |
Felicia Allen |
Old Dominion |
| 1997 |
Scott Pearson |
American |
| 1996 |
Barbara Blosser |
William & Mary |
|
John Welbourn |
East Carolina |
|
|
|