Swindells goes for school record fourth straight All-CAA selection

Lombardo praises tri-captain for intensity

Chris Labzda / senior photographer Senior defenseman Katy Swindells dribbles at practice. Swindells can become the only player in JMU women's soccer history to be All-Conference four years in a row. The Dukes open their season Friday at the University of Richmond.

Few athletes are able to bring the same determination and drive to the field every day. Long practices, games on back-to-back nights and the competitiveness of college athletics make it hard to keep a continuous intensity throughout the season.

Senior defender Katy Swindells is an athlete whose competitive fire never seems to go out.

"That was always my mentality growing up," Swindells said. "I’ve always been [determined]."

Coach Dave Lombardo said, "Katy has a strong mental determination. She comes ready to play and she hates to lose."

Since the Colonial Athletic Association began naming All-Conference teams in 1993, no JMU women’s soccer player has ever been named All-CAA four years in a row. Heading into the 2004 season, Swindells has a chance to become the first.

"It’s her determination, and she brings it to the field every day," Lombardo said. "She’s a good athlete; she’s incredibly fit and she can play for 90 minutes. Not that many people can do that."

Senior defender Bryant Karpinski, who played club soccer with Swindells before they attended JMU, agreed with Lombardo. "She’s always been very competitive," Karpinski said.

But it’s Swindells’ ability to play several positions that makes her a complete player.

"She’s very versatile," Lombardo said. "There have been better defenders, forwards and midfielders but they were limited in their role. In terms of an overall player, I would have to put Katy in the top 10 of the kids that I’ve coached."

Karpinski said, "She can do it all. You can put her anywhere and she’ll give you 100 percent every time."
Swindells’ leadership skills have been strengthened since coming to JMU.

"Her freshman and sophomore years she was fine with just being one of the bunch who went about doing her job well," Lombardo said. "She’s a very vocal leader now."

After being a tri-captain during her junior year, Swindells finds the extra year of experience has made it easier to take charge as a senior.

"It’s easier [being a tri-captain] now that I’m a senior," Swindells said. "I’ve been able to establish more of a leadership role."

As a vocal leader, Swindells takes charge when needed.

"She has a good understanding of the game," Lombardo said. "What you’re hoping is that when the whistle blows, the personality players can take over during the game. Katy is like a field general out there once the game starts."

He added an example of her ability to rise to the occasion, referencing a game during her freshman year.

"Katy had earned a starting spot and we stuck her on the National Player of the Year as a man-marker when we played Penn State," Lombardo said. "Katy shut her down. We lost the game that day, but this girl didn’t score or have an assist. We neutralized her."

Despite the numerous conference accolades she has received, Swindells still has a team-first attitude.

"I really don’t play for personal accolades," Swindells said. "My favorite JMU memory is winning the CAA tournament during my sophomore year. The individual stuff isn’t as important [as the team’s success]."

Swindells’ team-first approach doesn’t end on the field, either.

"She’s a good friend to have and a good person," red-shirt junior forward Katie Owings said. "Katy doesn’t have a big head and she has one of those magnetic personalities that brings people together."

Whether or not she becomes the first four-time All-Conference honoree in JMU women’s soccer history doesn’t faze Swindells, or her coach.

"She has always been a pivotal player for us," Lombardo said. "Katy means a lot to this program as a player and a person. She’s been a great ambassador for us."