“I’m slightly embarrassed,” a humbled Kameron Kilpatrick said when he learned he was selected as best athlete at the University of Tampa.
The junior swimmer from Carrollton, Texas never would have guessed that he, not a basketball player, not a baseball player, but a swimmer, would be given the designation. However, he believes that it is a testament to the unique community that UT is.
“I would never have predicted this because swimming is generally an unrecognized sport, but it just goes to show you that we all support each other through everything,” Kilpatrick said.
At UT, the swim team does indeed have a reputation of always being together, something Kilpatrick embraces wholeheartedly. “As most UT students know, the team is almost inseparable throughout the school year and with that comes an unconditional support system we all take part in.”
Whether it is seeing the teammates together in their usual cafeteria spot for dinner or checking out their Harlem Shake video they made on YouTube last year, it doesn’t take too long to realize that this team has a special bond.
Upon graduating from Hebron High School back home in Texas, Kilpatrick came to UT as a freshman in fall 2011 and since then has found UT to be a second home. An allied health major, he was attracted to the school in large part due to the variety of programs offered that were related to his field.
Equally important for Kilpatrick was how he fell in love with the swim team, especially the manner in which they trained. “I loved the training style the team did,” Kilpatrick said. “I knew that even if I didn’t get any faster, I would still enjoy doing the hard work.”
Kilpatrick has worked hard since day one at the UT pools, and it has paid off. After being named to the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll as a freshman, his success carried over to his sophomore year when he registered a top time in the 1,000 meter free at the SSC Championships. His early success culminated in him being named a team captain as a junior.
“He’s a natural leader, one that earns his respect rather than demanding it. I could not think of a better person to be one of the swim team’s captains,” said Scott Nocco, a senior swimmer. Kilpatrick’s teammate also attested to his charisma as a big reason for him being chosen as captain.
“Kam is just an all around great guy––one of the friendliest you’ll meet at UT,” Nocco said.
Despite being selected as the best athlete at UT, Kilpatrick placed an emphasis on putting the team first.
“I believe I was selected strictly for how great my teammates and friends are,” Kilpatrick said.
Set to graduate in spring 2015, Kilpatrick plans to further his education and go to physical therapy school either in Florida or back in Texas. He plans to pursue a job in either neurological or pediatric physical therapy. When it comes to his swimming career, Kilpatrick plans on leaving it behind him after graduation in order to begin new athletic pursuits such as mountain climbing and the half-Ironman triathlon.
Josiah Kachelmeyer can be reached at josiah.kachelmeyer@spartans.ut.edu.