LAURA SOGAR
2024 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME
Laura began her swimming career at an early age swimming for the Ram Swim Club at the University of Rhode Island. Upon entering Prout High School in 2006 Laura switched her training to the Blue Fish Team in Attleboro, coached by Chuck Batchelor. As a swimmer, Laura made an immediate impact on Rhode Island Interscholastic League Swimming. She earned her first championship in the 100-yard breaststroke in 2006. She again won the 100- yard breaststroke championship in 2007, 2008, and 2009. She earned Providence Journal Bulletin All-State Honors all four years.
While representing the Blue Fish, Laura competed in the 2008 World Youth Championships, Monterey, Mexico placing third in her breaststroke specialty. Also in 2008, she competed in the US Olympic Trials placing eighth. The following year Laura competed in the Pan Pacific Championship Swim meet in Guam, placing fourth.
Laura qualified again for the United States Olympic Trials in 2012, placing fourth, just missing the opportunity to compete in the Olympics. However, she did compete in the FINA World Championships in 2012 in Istanbul, Turkey earning silver and bronze medals. Again, Laura was a silver and bronze medalist in 2013, this time at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia. It should be known that Laura’s career was not about times and medals. She accomplished so much in her swimming career beyond medals. For Laura, academics, conscientious hard work, discipline, and personal relationships made her chosen sport all encompassing. Likewise, her mom and dad were all encompassing supporting Laura with all the many demands of a competitive swimming career. Lots of faraway practices and swim meets across the country!
Her career at the University of Texas was phenomenal. Under coach Carol Capitani, In 2013 she won the National Championship in the 200-breaststroke with a time of 2:05.41. Laura earned NCAA All American Honors and was named the Big 12 NCAA Swimmer of the Year. Carol Capitani became the head coach of Texas Swimming during Laura’s senior year. Carol, as her collegiate coach, and the well-known and respected Eddy Reese were involved in Laura’s success and the reason why she continued to compete for three more years during her postgraduate career. In 2015 Laura was the Gold Medalist at the United States National Championships.
Laura continues to be an advocate for competitive swimming. Now living her life as a professional comedian Laura has the opportunity through her story telling and jokes to reflect on her career and encourage others to participate in our great sport.
Laura is now living in Brooklyn, New York.