SIENA SENN
The following is a spotlight profile on Siena Senn, Davidson College's nominee for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award. The Atlantic 10 institutions nominated a total of 14 outstanding student-athletes for the award (READ MORE). The A-10 will profile each of the institutional nominees.
PROFILE
Siena Senn graduated as Davidson's 2022 Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude and is an early inductee to Phi Beta Kappa. A four-time Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient, Senn is a member of Sigma Delta Pi (National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society), has received multiple academic scholarships and grants and was the 2022 winner of Davidson's Rebecca E. Stimson Award, which is presented to the top Wildcat female athlete in recognition of outstanding dedication and contribution to intercollegiate athletics. She holds the 800 freestyle relay record at Davidson, and is an A-10 champion in the 500 freestyle and the 800 free relay. Senn also has won silver medals at the A-10 in the 400 and 800 free, and bronze medals in the 200 and 1650 free, and the 200 and 400 free relay. She volunteered her time teaching Spanish to third graders and serving as a board member at the Rusk Eating House, executing philanthropic events to fight hunger and food insecurity in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. She also served on the Health Justice Committee, worked with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the People's Health Clinic and was the Social Justice Committee Representative for Davidson College Swimming and Diving
SNAPSHOT
Sport: Swimming & Diving
Events: Freestyle
Major: Public Health
Minor: Hispanic Studies
Hometown: Park City, Utah
Q&A WITH SIENA
Q: What would you consider the top moment of your college career?
Although a difficult choice, my favorite moment was racing the 500 Freestyle at the 2020 Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. I had just narrowly qualified for the consolation final as a freshman and thus never imagined earning a first place finish or achieving a significant personal record. I was overwhelmed with emotion and felt exceedingly lucky to enjoy this special and surprising memory with my family, friends, and coaches.
Q: What was the hardest obstacle you faced as a student-athlete?
I have recovered from three separate surgeries throughout my athletic career; these injuries negatively impacted my mental health as I struggled to regain my sense of purpose and identity. However, I now realize that these setbacks were instrumental in defining my journey at Davidson College. During these experiences with adversity, I developed a different perspective towards swimming by approaching each practice and competition with immense gratitude.
Q: Who or what has been your biggest inspiration or motivation?
My younger brother, Luca, is definitely my greatest source of inspiration. I am exceedingly thankful for his unwavering and selfless support despite his medical challenges. Above all, his strength serves as my daily reminder to remain optimistic and cherish the present.
Q: What are three words your teammates would use to describe you, and why?
- Passionate — I am invested in my academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits.
- Curious — I have always expressed a genuine appreciation for learning and new adventures.
- Loud — I am not hesitant to voice my opinion or cheer!
Q: What was your favorite class/professor and why?
I absolutely loved all of my undergraduate courses. Nevertheless, I particularly enjoyed "Nutrition, Bodies, and Health" with Dr. Lauren Stutts because her mentorship dramatically improved my scholarly writing and oral communication skills. This seminar was student-led, discussion-based, and interdisciplinary. We engaged in thoughtful and productive conversations surrounding the biopsychosocial aspects of disease.
Q: What is something you learned about yourself during this unique COVID year?
The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed my interest in the field of public health by informing my professional career aspirations and highlighting the importance of servant leadership.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of receiving the highest departmental honors for my final thesis. While I was initially intimidated to pursue an extensive, original, and independent project, the process was incredibly fulfilling. I was excited to share my findings at both local and national conferences, which represented an invaluable research opportunity.