Coaching Staff

Head Coach Kelly Kisner

Assistant Coach Melinda Fay '02

Assistant Coach Sara Beth Euwer '05

Head Coach Kelly Kisner

Under the leadership of William Smith Swimming and Diving Head Coach Kelly Kisner, the Herons have established themselves as one of the top teams in New York State. Since taking over in 1989, she has mentored William Smith swimmers and divers to all levels of success, from conference championships to All-American performances.

She reached a high-water mark in 1996 as the Herons went 11-2 and Kisner was named the New York State Coach of the Year. She has coached dozens of All-Americans, state champions, and conference champions.

Under Kisner's watch, diver Sarah Costanza '06 earned a spot in the NCAA Champoinship meet in 2004 and 2005 with an eye on a three-peat during her senior season.

Kisner’s guidance has also led the Herons to success in the classroom. As a team, William Smith has been named to the College Swimming Coaches Association of America All-Academic team seven times. To earn such lofty praise, the Herons have maintained a minimum 3.2 grade point average.

A 1989 graduate of Ithaca College, Kisner holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in physical education from Cortland State. She enjoyed an excellent collegiate swimming career, earning 18 All-American honors in four seasons and serving as the Bombers’ captain during her junior and senior seasons. Kisner was a high-point swimmer at the New York State Championships in 1986 and 1989. A graduate of Towanda (Pa.) High School, she left Ithaca with numerous school records.

In addition to her coaching experience at William Smith, Kisner has been the head swimming coach at the Ithaca YMCA and has coached at a number of swimming camps.

Assistant Coach Melinda Fay '02

Melinda Fay ’02 is entering her second season as the diving coach.

Fay was a top diver for the Herons and also competed in freestyle sprint events. During her senior year, she was named to the Liberty League All-Academic team as well as the New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association All-Academic team.

Fay graduated from William Smith with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She earned a master’s degree in childhood education from Keuka College in 2005. A native of Canton, Fay graduated from Hugh C. Williams High School.

Fay currently resides in Geneva and has worked for the Geneva City School District as a special education teacher for the past three years. She also served as the assistant girls’ varsity swimming coach at Geneva High School as well as the diving coach of the girls’ and boys’ modified swimming teams at Geneva Middle School.

Assistant Coach Sara Beth Euwer '05

Sara Beth Euwer '05 is entering her first year as an assistant coach for the Heron swim team.

Euwer was a four-year member of the Herons’ swimming team and graduated from William Smith in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While on the team, she was a four-time NYSWCAA All-Academic selection and was a member of the Core-20 program for two years.

“We are very excited and fortunate to have Sara Beth join our coaching staff,” said Head Coach Kelly Kisner. “Sara Beth will bring a great deal of motivation and passion to our team and the sport of swimming and diving.”

Euwer, a native of New Jersey, worked as an assistant swim coach at the Geneva YMCA, as well as the Nomahegan Swim Club in Westfield, N.J. She also served as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Highland Swim Club (N.J.) for three summers.

In addition to her extensive aquatics background, Euwer worked with the Peers Educating Peers program on campus to educate student-athletes about the effects alcohol has on the body. She has also worked as an orientation leader, and with programs that help first-year students get acquainted with the campus.

Currently, Euwer works as a first grade teacher in Geneva.

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