Auburn swimmer Kyle Owens was recognized as a Capital One Academic All-American on Thursday, June 6. Owens, who graduated in May, was also named an Academic All-American last season.
"It feels good being an athlete and to be given such a high academic award," Owens said. "It is an inspiration and a standard for everyone on the team."
Owens, originally from Johnson City, Tenn., came into his senior season at Auburn as a co-captain alongside Stuart Ferguson. The responsibility as a captain prompted Owens to set a standard and be a role model for the other swimmers.
"I had to lead by example for the others," Owens said. "I enjoyed doing that for the team."
Owens graduated with a degree in biomedical science and will be attending Quillen College in Johnson City starting in July.
Despite his excellence in the pool, he is focusing on education in hopes of becoming a doctor.
Owens has been fascinated with educational pursuits, and the Honors College at Auburn and the support staff have awarded him the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
"With the help of Dr. Paul Harris in the Honors College and Coach [Brett] Hawke, I've gotten all the help I need in trying to get various scholarships and opportunities," Owens said.
Owens' journey towards medicine began when he was 11 years old.
"My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a kid," Owens said. "I would go in with her for her chemo and having it hit so close to home, I knew I wanted to be a doctor."
Despite the illness she overcame, Owen's mother, Heather, stayed strong and made sure her son would continue to progress in the classroom and in the pool.
"All of those mornings that he needed to be in the water at 5 a.m., I was taking them there," Heather said. "He saw my dedication to what he could become [in the pool]. After all his meets, he would bring me his medals, and I always thought it was sort of a testament and a way to say, 'Thanks mom.'"
Owens has worked hard to earn recognition in the pool and in the classroom. He successfully defended his SEC titles in the 100 and 200 meter backstroke at the SEC Championships while taking part in four different relay team titles. He is a 12-time SEC Champion, has been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice and was the 2011-2012 Auburn University Male Athlete of the Year while also being a swimmer for the USA National Team.
Despite the athletic accomplishments, Owens believes the academic honors take precedent.
"Swimming has taught me so much, and I was ready to compete in the World University Games in Russia this summer," Owens said. "The first day of the meet is the first day classes start at Quillen. People kept acting like it was such a big decision to make, but it was simple; I think it's a signal to me that my swimming career is over, and it's time to hang up the towel."
Owens submitted his retirement letter to the national team and is excited to begin the next phase of his life.
"It's hard right now to think I'm done swimming," Owens said. "But I know better things will come out of it."
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