Milwaukee City Wire

Emily Dwyer, a former Milwaukee Panther swimmer, recalls a significant moment from her athletic career. On February 25, 2012, both the men's and women's swimming teams led at the Horizon League Championships in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. Dwyer, then known as Emily McClellan, achieved a remarkable time in the 200 breaststroke and earned Athlete of the Year and Swimmer of the Meet honors. The Panthers secured their first League title for both teams.

Reflecting on her college years, Dwyer said, "Those wins together are definitely top highlights of my time at Milwaukee." Her success story includes induction into Milwaukee's Bud K. Haidet Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.

Dwyer's journey began in Delavan, Wisconsin. Unlike most swimmers who start young, she took up swimming during her teenage years while also playing basketball and softball. She described how her family's athletic background influenced her choices: "My mom...and my sister were really athletic too."

Dwyer's collegiate career was notable. She became a four-time NCAA All-American and competed annually in the NCAA Championships. In 2014, she was national runner-up in the 100 breaststroke.

Internationally, Dwyer represented Team USA at the 2013 World University Games and participated in the Olympic Swimming Trials in 2012 and 2016. Despite not making Team USA for the Olympics, she found solace back home.

In Delavan, she revived a local swim team and initiated an ASL program at Delavan-Darien High School where she taught American Sign Language. Reflecting on this endeavor, Dwyer stated: "(Starting the ASL program) really spoke to my heart."

Currently taking a break to focus on family life, Dwyer cherishes moments when students apply their learning practically: "When they come back to me...and they are saying...'I used my sign language'...That part is so meaningful."