Contact: Elliott Carr, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Feb. 6, 2017- When North Central College men's & women's swimming & diving coach Mark Schmitt returned to his alma matter on a mission rebuild the program and return it to glory, he didn't realize that it would be the daughter of a North Central employee, sloth-enthusiast sophomore Katherine Canfield, who would transfer in and lead the charge.

The Aurora, Illinois, native and graduate of Rosary High School originally desired the opportunity to experience life away from home, attending College of the Redlands in Redlands, California, her freshman year. Along with the warm weather of Southern California, as an asthma sufferer she sought the opportunity to swim in an outdoor pool, as it is beneficial for the condition.

Despite the many benefits of moving to the west coast, she eventually decided she would be happier closer to home in the Midwest. Canfield's mother, Lyn, has been a Systems Analyst in the Information Technology (IT) department at North Central for five years.

"She wanted me closer to home, but didn't care if I came here or not, it was my decision" said Canfield. "Her working here was still definitely part of the reason I came."

Her mom was not the only connection to North Central she had prior to transferring here, as Schmitt has watched the local product for years. Having long been aware of Canfield' talents in the pool, it has been her positive impact on the team's culture that has exceeded his expectations.

"This is not the first time I have seen Katherine swim" explained Schmitt. "As a U.S.A swimming coach, I saw her at many championship swim meets when she was in high school. I was well aware of her potential and abilities prior to joining the team. What I did not know, was that her unique personality, fantastic sense of humor, and incredible drive would be so infectious on the team."

One of the teammates who has benefitted most from Canfields addition has been senior Julie Albright, with the two sharing a long history together, as the duo swam on the same club team, Academy Bullets, and competed in relays together as eleven-year-olds. Despite this, they had no idea they would eventually be reunited, as their lives would follow divergent paths. These days, Albright is one of Canfield's best friends on the team, and not shocked how successful she has been since transferring in, given the potential she showed in her younger years.

Canfield has more than lived up to her potential and abilities since becoming a Cardinal, as she was named College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Women's Swimmer of the Week for the week of November 22, 2016, following her impressive display at the University of Chicago Phoenix Fall Classic. At the meet, she placed second in the consolation finals of the 200-yard backstroke with a time of 2:09.53, while also clocking in at 59.95 in the 100-yard backstroke, her first in-season time under a minute.

Listing the meet as her career highlight to date, Canfield also appreciated the support from her teammates.

"I had some good swims highlight last season, but it just wasn't fun" she said. "At Chicago everyone was swimming fast and the team had such a positive mindset, with everyone cheering for each other."

Canfield's leadership has played a significant role in the positive mindset of the team and the swimmers willingness to support one another.

"Katherine makes practice enjoyable, and I rarely have to push her" said Schmitt with joy. "She knows that hard work must be put in to achieve success, and based on her extensive history in swimming, she does not shy away from a difficult set. The advice she gives her teammates on how to mentally approach practice helps me out immensely."
 
Another beneficiary of Canfields' addition has been freshman Jessica Fox, who is also a transfer, coming from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Along with Albright, she has formed a strong bond with Katherine and enjoys her quirky and unique personality
 
Part of the unique personality is Canfield's love for one of nature's laziest mammals – the sloth. Describing them as "cute, but also gross," Canfield lists seeing one in person as a life goal, and became interested in them stemmed from seeing one in a video on Facebook during her high school years.
 
Another interest, this one perhaps less uncommon, is socks. Attending a private high school where wearing a uniform was a requirement, Canfield enjoyed being able to choose the socks she wore, with her enjoyment transcending her high schools.
 
Given her love for sloths and socks, logically she is the proud owner of five pairs of sloth socks. Coming in many different styles and colors, Canfield's sock collection is the envy of the team.
 
Another aspect of Canfield's quirky personality is her dislike of tissues.
 
"The feeling of paper and tissues to me is like nails on a chalkboard, I get the chills" proclaimed Canfield. "Napkins and paper towels are fine, but I've always hated tissues" proclaimed Canfield. "When I'm sick I use a paper towel, but I'm never really sick"
 
While her love for socks and sloths is unquestionable, she is still in the process of determining what the future will hold. Originally a biology major, Canfield is currently undecided but is leaning toward majoring in elementary education. Working as a coach at the Mavericks Swim Club in Naperville, Illinois, her natural rapport and ability to successfully work with kids spurred her interest in becoming a teacher. Considering her success coaching kids, along with her fun personality, as well as her ability to lead and set an example to others, teaching seems like a natural fit and an area she is bound to excel in.
 
Given that Canfield is only a sophomore, her legacy at North Central is not yet half-complete. Whether it's being the driving force behind the revitalization of the women's swim team, or starting a sloth sock trend, Canfield has already begun leaving her mark on North Central. Redlands' loss has easily been North Central's gain.
 
Canfield and her teammates return to the pool for the CCIW Swimming Championships, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9 in Pleasant Praire, Wisconsin. More information and live results from the meet can be found here.