Kelsey Borner '09 has been a pillar of the women's track and field team from the first day she arrived on campus. As captain of both Bowdoin's indoor and outdoor track teams, Borner has helped create a winning and supportive atmosphere for the Bowdoin squad, looking to build on its recent first place finish over MIT and Colby.
Borner first got involved in track and field in the eigth grade because "it was just something that everyone did," she said.
She didn't realize just how good she was until her first meet, where she broke the school record for the shot put.
Also a softball player in middle school, Borner faced a difficult decision as she decided which sport she would continue in high school.
"Ultimately, I chose track and field because more of my friends were on the team," she said.
While Borner, who participates in the shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, and javelin, may have stumbled upon the sport by chance, there is no doubt as to how much effort she has put forth in becoming the best that she can be.
Borner, who last season was awarded all-conference honors in the shot put while also winning the conference championship in the discus throw, is known among her teammates for her dedication and long hours.
"Kelsey is always the first person at practice and the last person to leave, she sets a good example for the rest of us," said teammate Andres Botero '12.
Her coach, Peter Slovenski, agrees.
"Kelsey brings a lot of leadership and poise to our lineup," he said. "She's one of the best competitors we've ever had. She excels in the classroom while also being a college varsity team captain."
While Borner, who is second on the all-time Bowdoin list for discus throw, (behind former assistant Dean of Students Stacey Bell '00) is very focused on finishing the indoor season strong and preparing for the upcoming outdoor season, she is also planning for life after Bowdoin. Borner discussed how track and field has influenced her beyond the sport itself.
"The competitive nature of track and field has definitely translated into other areas of my life," she said.
As her time at Bowdoin draws to a close, Borner recognizes how lucky she has been with the people that surround her.
"It's amazing to know that there is a group of people willing to wake up at 4:15 every morning with you," she said.
Borner is also looking toward the future. She plans on taking a couple of years off before going back to school for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.
When asked if track and field would play a role in her future she hesitated before saying, "This will probably be the end of my personal competitive career in track and field, but who knows? I may get involved in coaching somewhere down the line."
Just as she stumbled into the sport in 8th grade, Borner said she wouldn't be surprised if track and field finds a way into her life once again after she graduates.