Northeastern University Athletics

Janet S. Swanson was elected to the Hall of Fame for her accomplishments as a coach, athlete, and sportsperson at Northeastern.

Swanson, who received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Northeastern, competed in her first love- field hockey- swimming, tennis and lacrosse. As an athlete, she was a finalist for NU in backstroke at the New England Championships. As a coach, she guided both the men's and women's swimming programs, as both prospered during her coaching era. Swanson founded the women's rowing program at Northeastern in 1975. Nine years later, the shell, "Janet S. Swanson," was dedicated in her honor in ceremonies on the banks of the Charles River. In 1986, she was named women's New England Intercollegiate Division I Coach of the Year; in 1988, Swanson earned men's Division I, New England Coach of the Year honors; and in 1991 the North Atlantic Conference honored her as women's swim Coach of the Year. Her combined varsity swim teams posted a stunning 169-112 overall record in 14 seasons.

She has held administrative posts at all levels, including Massachusetts Girls High School Swimming Association, and the state Special Olympics for swimming. Also, she was Secretary/Treasurer of the men's New England Swim Coaches Association.