Prep swimming: Naples' Katie Kramer signs with Marshall

NAPLES —Many students would jump at the chance to study abroad. Most athletes dream of competing at the Division I college level.

Because of her academic and athletic prowess, Katie Kramer has the chance to do both.

Kramer, a Naples High senior, signed a national letter of intent Thursday morning to swim for Marshall University. She also was accepted into the school's Society of Yeager Scholars program, which lets her study overseas one summer and one semester while in college.

“I have an amazing opportunity,” said Kramer, who sports a 5.25 grade-point average and is in the top 10 of her class at Naples. “I feel extremely lucky.”

Kramer is one of six incoming freshmen accepted into the Yeager Scholars program, and the only athlete. She will study abroad one semester, then spend the summer following her sophomore year at Oxford University in England.

Her dedication in the classroom has translated to the pool, where Kramer only began swimming as a freshman. After steady improvement, the senior broke a school record in the 100-yard freestyle and was part of record-setting 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams.

Just four seasons after picking up the sport, Kramer went to the Class 2A state meet in four events this season -- the 50 and 100 freestyles and the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

“Four years ago, I had never swam competitively,” Kramer said. “It's pretty amazing. I never thought that I would be here, signing for swimming.

“Part of why that's so exciting is because a lot of kids have been swimming since they were 6 and 7. I'm still really excited about the sport, and I still know I can get faster.”

Kramer expects to swim sprint freestyle and some butterfly at Marshall, a Conference USA school. She is undecided on her major, but said she's leaning toward studying business.

The oldest of Golden Eagles football coach Bill Kramer's four daughters, Katie Kramer stood with her sisters, parents and grandmother at Thursday's signing ceremony in the principal's conference room.

“This is a blessing for our family,” Bill Kramer said. “The opportunities she has, they're a tribute to her commitment and her hard work. I couldn't be more proud.”

Kramer trains with T2 Aquatics, a swim club based out of the YMCA Norris Pool in North Naples. Eight T2 swimmers will sign letters of intent to compete in college this spring.

Connect with Adam Fisher at www.naplesnews.com/staff/adam_fisher.