Kelli Swenson
- School
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Position
- Defense
- Major
- Civil Engineering
Classroom
Kelli Swenson holds a perfect 4.0 GPA for her college career as she enters her senior season. She has earned numerous awards for her work in the classroom including earning United Soccer Coaches third-team All-America accolades as well as spots on the United Soccer Coaches Soccer Scholar All-North/Central Region and Horizon League All-Academic teams. She has been named to the dean’s list and received the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll every semester.
Character
When it comes to student-athletes, Swenson is at the top of the list regarding character. She has a tough major (civil engineering), yet continues to put in the hard work and stay dedicated in class and study hall to maintain her 4.0 GPA. Swenson plays just as hard on the field, earning a spot in the starting lineup before the end of her freshman season—a spot that she has held for more than 50 games (and counting).
Community
Swenson has dedicated her time and efforts to the community as both an individual and with her Panther teammates. Outside of her efforts with the UWM soccer program, she has volunteered at St. Matthew’s Vacation Bible School for 7 years and provided percussion accompaniment at her church. In 2017, she has also volunteered and coached at Tosa East High School and volunteered with the UWM Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
With her team, Swenson has volunteered for coaching clinics with Tosa Kickers and with Team Impact with her 9-year old “teammate” Jordan Moore. She has also participated in Walk for Wishes, which is an event where they welcome students at Hartford Elementary School on the first day of school. Swenson is heavily involved with the pen pal program with the local second graders.
Competition
Swenson has earned numerous awards for her work on the field including being named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year following her junior campaign. She was also named to the second-team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region Team and a first-team All-Horizon League honoree in 2017. She helped lead a backline that finished with a Horizon League-leading 0.285 goals-against average and 14 shutouts. In 2017, the Panthers finished with the second-lowest GAA in the NCAA.
