KRISTY UUSTAL STEPHENS

2011 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Kristy represents the “family side” of the Hall of Fame.  Kristy, an outstanding, age group, high school, and collegiate swimmer, joined her mother, Diann Thomason Uustal, Class of 1985, into the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame.

Upon returning with her family from Arizona, Kristy joined The Little Rhody Aquatics Club.  Representing Little Rhody Kristy won numerous Rhode Island Age Group and Rhode Island Senior Championship events in the butterfly, individual medley, and freestyle. In February, 1987, Kristy set new state meet records in the 200 yard freestyle (1:56.46) and the 100 yard freestyle (53.42).

Recognition as an age group swimmers includes the Rhode Island Swimming Coaches and Officials Association National Recognition Award (1985), the United States Swimmer Outstanding Swimmer Award (1985), and the Rhode ISland Swimmer of the Year Award (1989).

In New England, Easter Zone, and National competitions Kristy experienced continued success. At the 1990 United States National Junior Olympics, Kristy placed 6th in the 100 M freestyle (1:02.85); at the 1991 National Junior Olympics Kristy placed 3rd in four individual events, the 50, 100, 200, and 400 m freestyle events. At the same meet, as a member of the 400 m freestyle relay, Kristy placed 2nd.

Kristy was the first female swimmer to represent East Greenwich High School in Interscholastic Competition.  Representing the Avengers, Kristy was an Interscholastic League state champion, Bay View Invitational meet record holder (200 yard freestyle) and the recipient of the Clara Lamore Walker Award for Outstanding Senior Swimmer of the meet.  As a 9th grade student, Kristy also won the Outstanding Freshman Swimmer of the Bay View Invitational. This award was presented to Krsty by her mother, Diann Thomason Uustal.

After graduation from EGHS, Kristy enrolled at the University of Virginia significantly contributing to the team that won the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship in 1990 and placed 2nd during the next three years.  Kristy was team captain (1993), was an Academic All- American all four years, and was also inducted into the University of Virginia Swimming Hall of Fame in 2010.  Swimming for Virginia at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Meet, Kristy placed in the 100, 200, and 500 yard freestyle events and was a member of the freestyle relay teams that placed 2nd, 2nd, and 3rd.  SHe was a Division I NCAA Qualifier.

Returning to Rhode Island in 1997, Kristy coached the Greenwich Swim Club and the East Greenwich High School Team.

Kristy is married to Scott Stephens.  Scott and Kristy have 3 sons, Luke, Owen, and Kyle.  They reside in Glastonbury, Connecticut.