Some people participate. Others commit fully. For Kylee Brown, that commitment has shaped her entire college experience. Whether she is training in the pool, studying for a nursing exam, or encouraging teammates, she approaches everything with the same mindset.
“I want to make an impact,” she says. “If I’m going to do something, I’m going to give it my full effort.”
At College of Saint Mary, that determination has allowed Kylee to pursue two demanding paths at once: competitive swimming and nursing.
Knowing When You’ve Found the Right Place
Kylee remembers the moment she first visited campus. People often say that when you walk onto the right campus, you simply know it feels like home. Before her visit, she thought that idea sounded like a cliché. Then she arrived.
“When I walked on campus, I just knew this was going to be a place where I could excel and continue to grow.”
That instinct has proven true. At CSM, Kylee found an environment where she could pursue her academic goals while continuing the sport she has loved for most of her life. Swimming has been part of Kylee’s story since she was young. Her swim coach remembers seeing her talent and work ethic early on.
“I actually coached Kylee when she was in seventh grade,” says CSM Coach Liz Germonprez. “She was awesome as a seventh grader too, so none of this surprises me.”
Even then, her leadership stood out.
Leading by Example
Kylee’s coaches and professors consistently describe her in the same way: focused, mature, and confident. “She’s a natural leader,” her coach says. “She’s incredibly mature, very well-spoken, and absolutely confident.” Her leadership style is simple but powerful. She leads by example, setting a tone of discipline and encouragement that teammates naturally follow.
“She’s a ‘come-with-me teammate,’” Coach Germonprez explains. “Whatever she’s doing, she brings the team with her.”
That approach has helped her make an impact not only as an athlete, but as a member of the broader campus community.
Balancing Athletics and Academics
Being a student-athlete requires focus, discipline, and strong time management. The demands of training, competition, and academics can be intense. Kylee knew that choosing a smaller university could make it easier to succeed in both areas.
“I knew coming to a small school I would be able to do both,” Kylee says. “That’s something I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.” At College of Saint Mary, the close-knit campus environment makes it easier for students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and coaches. Those connections help student-athletes navigate demanding schedules while staying focused on their goals.
“It’s a small campus, so there’s an incredible amount of contact with your professors and your coaches,” she says. “But being in the heart of Omaha means you’re not limited from doing anything.”
Students benefit from the support of a tight-knit academic community while still having access to internships, healthcare systems, and professional opportunities throughout the city.
Facilities That Support Student Success
Kylee trains at the Lied Fitness Center, a facility that plays a major role in the student-athlete experience at CSM. The facility — made possible through the generosity of donors — includes an on-campus pool that provides convenient access for the swim team. For Kylee, that convenience makes a real difference.
“Being able to live on campus and roll out of bed and be in the water in about eight minutes is amazing,” she says.
Having a pool on campus is a major advantage for swimmers. “Not a lot of places have a pool on campus,” her coach says. “We’re very grateful for the one we have.”
The facility allows student-athletes to train consistently while still balancing academic responsibilities.
Pursuing a Career in Nursing
While swimming is a lifelong passion, Kylee’s long-term goal is rooted in helping others. Both of her parents are first responders, and their dedication to serving others inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
“They’ve really influenced what I want to do with my future,” she says.
Kylee is currently working toward her nursing degree, a program known for its rigor and high expectations. Balancing the demands of a nursing program with collegiate athletics is no small task, but she has found strong support from the faculty at CSM.
“The nursing faculty have been nothing but helpful,” she says. During one season, Kylee had to miss several classes because of competitions and athletic commitments. Instead of falling behind, she found her professors eager to help her stay on track.
“I had to miss a lot that season, but never once did I feel like I was falling behind,” she explains. “If anything, I felt like I was ahead because of everything they did.”
Making an Impact
From the pool to the classroom, Kylee continues to lead with purpose. Her goal has never been simply to participate. She wants to contribute, to lift others up, and to make a difference in the communities she will one day serve as a nurse.
“I just love to make an impact,” she says.
At College of Saint Mary, she’s doing exactly that — as a teammate, a leader, and a future healthcare professional committed to helping others.
Watch Kylee’s Story