Air Force Academy

Sept. 10, 2008

USAFA, Colo. - For the past three seasons, Air Force senior Jane Hwang has been one of the most consistent performers for the Falcons' women's swimming team. Already a five-time All-Mountain West Conference performer and record-holder in three events, Hwang is looking forward to an even more successful 2008-09 season.

A graduate of Irvine High School, Hwang made an immediate impact on the Falcons' program, moving into the Air Force's top 10 list in five individual events (100 and 200 freestyle, 200 IM and 100 and 200 butterfly) as a freshman. In addition, she anchored the school record-setting 400 freestyle relay at the conference championships.

Hwang's sophomore campaign was even more impressive, as she earned all-conference accolades in the 200 IM and 100 and 200 freestyle events, setting a new school record in the 200 free. Her success continued into her junior season, as she captured yet another school record in the 200 IM, while also receiving all-conference honors in the 100 and 200 free for a second-straight season.

Hwang's three school records are a source of pride for the current senior and serve as motivation for even greater things.

"It's an honor just to be able to represent the United States Air Force Academy," said Hwang, "and to see my name on that wall not just once, but three times, inspires me to be better. I hope it also conveys to the other girls that they can be on the record board too."

"Jane is a shining example of what the Academy is all about," said Air Force head coach Casey Converse. "Her grasp of the leadership reins started with our spring practices last year. In my 21 years, she has been one of the best team captains in her ability to lead both by word and example. She regularly stays after practice is over to help her teammates with technical aspects of swimming. She's a great student of the sport and gives of her time unselfishly."

"I would really like to see our team all get personal best times by the end of the season and have four or five girls make it back at Conference," said Hwang. "We have a lot of potential and so I'm excited to see how it goes this year. Personally, I just want to be able to continue to swim some best times and have fun since it's my last year swimming."

"Jane inspires her teammates and coaches alike," said Converse. "One of the best things about her is that she knows how to work hard and how to have fun doing it."

While her accomplishments in the pool are noteworthy, Hwang has also had great success in the classroom, earning MWC All-Academic honors in each of her three seasons at Air Force. A biology major, Hwang is already prepared for life after the Academy, having received a medical school slot upon graduation.

"It allows me to pursue my dreams of becoming a doctor by going to medical school on a HPSP (Health Professions Scholarship Program) scholarship without having to wait until after I serve in the Air Force," said Hwang. "I will attend medical school, and after residency, I will then go back and serve as a military doctor."

With her post-graduate plans already in place, Hwang's future certainly looks bright. But for the time being, she will focus on the present, hoping to close out her swimming career by leading the Falcons to their best season in recent years.

"We know that swimming is just a part of who Jane is becoming," said Converse. "She will make a great officer and fine doctor for the Air Force and the nation. She has been a pleasure to coach."