Senior swimmer Kristy Kunkel was one of three ISU swimmers and divers to be elected as a captain for this year’s team. Alongside her are senior swimmer Sarah Deis and junior diver Elyse Brouillette.

“It was an honor to be voted on and elected by the team,” Kunkel said. “I have really enjoyed it and it’s been fun.”

Kunkel is very comfortable in her leadership role on the team.

“There isn’t any pressure because it’s Sarah, Elyse and I,” Kunkel said. “All three of us work together really well, and we have great attitudes and push our teammates.”

Kunkel and her two other captains have other duties that go beyond the pool.

“We are usually in charge of all of the cheers,” Kunkel said. “We coordinate everything we are supposed to wear and handle all of the behind the scenes stuff. All of the seniors help us out as well.”

Kunkel has enjoyed her experience at Iowa State and has seen herself mature as a swimmer and a competitor for this team.

“It’s been a good growing experience now that I am in my senior year,” Kunkel said. “I’ve learned to not take anything too seriously, and I see my contribution as being important to the team not just my individual performance. By my senior year, I have realized that you swim fast for the team and the team comes first.”

ISU coach Duane Sorenson believes Kunkel has the right qualities and was put in the right position as a leader for this team.

“She’s very vocal and is an extrovert,” Sorenson said. “It’s a role that she is tailor-made for.”

Kunkel and her family have a history of leadership. Her father is the director of the Boys and Girls Club in Omaha, Neb. She has seen great leadership through her father, which has made it a natural position for her.

“She’s not afraid to speak her mind, and she is very creative in what she does as far as being a leader,” Sorenson said.

ISU assistant coach Kelly Nordell enjoys Kunkel’s abilities and adaptability.

“She’s probably one of our most versatile swimmers,” Nordell said. “Since she was a freshman we have been able to put her in different events, whether it’s fly, back, IM [individual medley] or free.”

Nordell and Sorenson have high praise for Kunkel as a team-first competitor.

“She is definitely a team player, so wherever we need her she is up for the task,” Nordell said. “She’s very talented in that respect.”

Nordell also believes in Kunkel’s athleticism and pure swimming capabilities.

“As an athlete, she is very competitive,” Nordell said. “She will do whatever she has to do to help the team, and I think she thrives in that role. She sees that whatever it takes, I will do it for the team.”