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Somerset's Kane to continue swimming career at Chatham University

SOMERSET — Somerset senior swimmer Hannah Kane has excelled in the pool over her four years as a Golden Eagle. Kane has earned four trips to the PIAA championships as a member of both the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle relay teams.

After taking multiple visits to Chatham University, she knew she found the right fit both athletically and academically. On Thursday, Kane announced her intentions to continue her swimming career for the Division III Cougars.

"It was one of the only schools that offered swimming, and the interior architecture degree that I wanted to pursue," Kane said of her decision. "I like the area, and it is close to home. I can come home on the weekends."

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Kane also enjoyed the old-school feel to the campus, which was founded in 1869.

"My dorm is a mansion," she said. "That campus is pretty awesome. They also have an eight-lane pool, which is really rare for a D-III school."

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Kane, who boasts a 4.0 grade-point average, is taking an integrated degree program, where she will obtain her master's degree in five years.

She is the president of Interact Club, vice president of Spanish Honor Society, a member of Spanish Club, National Honor Society and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

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Kane is a versatile swimmer. Along with the relays, she swam the 500 freestyle this year and the 200 individual medley. Kane is hoping to continue to swim the 200 IM at Chatham.

Many hours have been logged in the pool by Kane. She began swimming at the age of 7 and has loved it ever since. Some of Kane's fondest memories of her high school career came in the pool.

"I like the friendships I have built," Kane said. "Donna (Richard) has been my coach all my life. I am very close with the Richard family. Most of my friends have come from swimming. The relationships I have built here are awesome."

Kane is the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Kane. She thanks her parents, Coach Richard and her teachers, especially (Sarah) Pile, who has helped her a great deal along the way.

Having coached Kane throughout her career, Richard has seen her evolution as a swimmer, which has led to an opportunity to compete collegiately.

"I think Chatham is going to get a great, amazing swimmer," Richard said of Kane. "She has been very productive here in Somerset. "I think they are going to transition her to a little bit of a distance swimmer, which we did this year as well. She is traditionally freestyle, but she can do IM, fly and back."

Richard loses a gifted swimmer in Kane, but one she says will be a fierce competitor at Chatham.

"She has been a pretty steady swimmer her whole life," Richard said. "She puts everything into every race. I have definitely seen some improvement, but she has always given me 110% every practice and every meet. This is her only sport. She has always been dedicated and swims year-round. She is motivated, has strength and her abilities – those three things combined – make her a great swimmer. She just has that drive at the end to win each race."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset senior swimmer Hannah Kane commits to Chatham University