DONNA SPENCER CREPEAU

1992 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Donna grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.  Since Pawtucket Boys’ Club did not have a girls swim team she joined the Rhode Island Aquatic Association and trained under the guidance of Leo Sarcione.  During her age group years Donna won numerous Rhode Island swimming championships specializing mostly in the butterfly and freestyle events.  Her greatest accomplishments occurred in the 1959-1961 seasons.  Donna won and set New England Senior records in the 100 meter butterfly, 200 yard freestyle, 200 yard backstroke, 100 yard backstroke, and the 200 yard  individual medley.  Many of her records lasted more than a decade.  Also, during that time she won a National Junior Championship title, qualified for the National Senior Championships, and finished 10th and 12th in the butterfly events at the Pan American trials.  In recognition of her achievements, Donna was named Rhode Island Swimmer of the Year in 1961.

Donna was an all around athlete at Goff Junior High School in Pawtucket, competing on the championship volleyball and basketball teams, in addition to her long hours of swim competition.

After her competitive years Donna moved to Portland, Maine and then to Duxbury, Massachusetts.  At Duxbury she was instrumental in starting the Duxbury Aqueduct Swim team and became the first coach ever for a new program that now yearly develops many fine New England swimmers as an auxiliary of the Bengal Gator Swim Team.  She is also credited with being the first coach of Duxbury High School.

Donna now lives in Morris, Connecticut and continues to coach swimming as an assistant at the Northwest YMCA.