Esposito Realizes Goals at UMBC

Jennifer Esposito was sitting on top of the world, winning All-American honors at the 2007 NCAA Division II Championships for C.W. Post. 

She was a standout in the 20 butterfly to be named an All-American, and was honorable mention All-American in the 100 fly and four relays. She set six individual school records at C.W. Post, and three relay records.

Esposito, who hopes to become a psychologist, just turned 21 this month.  She made a big decision to leave C.W. Post and transfer a long ways away south down the coast to the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

No one really knew that the Lindenhurst, N.Y., native had chosen the Long Island college because her mother, Rosemary, had been ill. When her mother started to mend, Jennifer, with her mother’s encouragement, wanted to try something different.

“I felt as though it was time for me to go away to school,” Jennifer said. “My mother was sick for a while and I couldn't leave her, but now she is doing a lot better so I decided this was the best decision for me.”

She found the home away from home she was looking for, and was able to leave a lot of medals at C.W. Post. But Esposito knows UMBC is the right place for her at this point in her life.

“UMBC is a wonderful place,” Esposito said. “It's challenging in the academic areas as well as athletics. The swimming and diving program is like a family, we are all really close and supportive. I believe that coming to UMBC was the best school for me.”

The women’s team at UMBC has already drawn together. Potentially a problem trying to mix a good recruiting class with a considerable amount of conference champions and standout transfers, the reality has been a mix of talent that has pushed all the women to improve.

“It's amazing to see the success we have accomplished in just a few months. Everyone has been working hard and it's showing,” Esposito said. “We stay focused and still have fun. The freshmen have stepped up the barrier for newcomers by achieving faster times than when they came in with. The seniors are great leaders and set good examples for those following. I haven't been a part of the team that long, but I can tell it is just going to get faster and faster every year.”

She also senses something magical with the atmosphere created by head coach Chad Cradock and assistant coach Chris Gibeau.

“The coaches keep us focused and work us really hard,” Esposito said. “They are also there for us when we need help with issues outside the pool as well as inside the pool. Breaking records are just symbols of how we are growing as people and as a stronger team.”