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.

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