Kelly Harrigan, who competed at Rutgers from 2002 to 2006, was a four-time first team All-American during her impressive career with the women's swimming and diving program. During her senior season, Harrigan was a first team All-America performer in the 200 backstroke and 100 backstroke, finishing third and eighth in the events, respectively. The Bristol, Connecticut native also picked up first team All-America designation in the 200 backstroke during the 2004 and 2005 campaigns along with an honorable mention selection during her rookie season in 2003.
During her time at Rutgers, Harrigan broke four individual and five relay records throughout her collegiate career. A four-time program MVP, Harrigan was a 20-time BIG EAST Conference champion during her decorated career "On the Banks", breaking 10 conference championship records (six individual, four relay) during her four-year collegiate campaign.
Harrigan earned back-to-back BIG EAST Most Outstanding Swimmer accolades in 2005 and 2006, helping the Scarlet Knights finish second at the BIG EAST Championships during the 2006 season. At the conference championship meet that year, Harrigan captured four relay and three individual titles. Harrigan also helped Rutgers to runner-up team performances in 2003 and 2004.
Harrigan shined in the classroom as well, being named a four-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star while receiving the prestigious BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year award during her senior campaign. After completing her undergraduate degree at Rutgers, Harrigan moved on to the University of Pennsylvania, where she went on to study to become a veterinarian.
On the world stage, Harrigan was a three-time Olympic Trials participant, competing in 2000, 2004 and 2008. Representing the United States at the 2007 World University Games, Harrigan captured a gold medal in the 200 backstroke and participated in USA's 800 freestyle relay's gold-medal performance, which re-set a World University Games' record. Her time in the 200 backstroke was the 16th-fastest time in the world in 2007.
