ConVal High School senior Andrea Mattson signed a letter of intent to Keene State College on Friday.

Mattson, a member of the ConVal swim team and the Keene YMCA Dolphins (KYD), said she began swimming competitively when she was 9, after a swim instructor at Crotched Mountain suggested she swim competitively. Now, nine years later, she’s gearing up to join the Keene State swim team in the fall.

ConVal head swim coach Monica Foley has known Mattson for two years, during which time “Andrea has demonstrated her passion, commitment and dedication to the sport of swimming.”

“It’s been exciting watch her hone in on her goals of swimming in college,” Foley said. “Keene State will be a great fit for her to continue her competitive swimming career while working toward her academic goals.”

Mattson is no stranger to Keene State. The ConVal swim team holds its practices there, and she praised the school’s pool and facilities, noting that KSC had just finished installing new and improved diving blocks.

While Mattson had toured other colleges, she chose Keene State not only for the size of its swim team – other colleges she considered only had a handful of swimmers – but also for its robust, hands-on nursing program, which she plans to study as her major.

Mattson was particularly impressed with the training technology Keene State has that simulate various nursing procedures, plus she said the school’s proximity to Cheshire Medical Center makes it a perfect option for nursing students. More importantly, Mattson, a Temple resident, will be close to home. Her mother Sarah Mattson said she was glad Andrea would be attending a local school.

Mattson first met Keene State’s swim coach, Chris Woolridge, last spring. She kept in touch through the summer and fall seasons, sharing her swim schedule and results with him. When she learned about the possibility of signing to a college team, she asked Woolridge about the process, and he was willing to extend an offer. After some encouragement from ConVal Director of Athletics Kevin Proctor, she made the decision to commit to KSC.

Erin Morley, the assistant coach on the ConVal swim team, swam competitively at Keene State. Morley and Woolridge have been resources for Mattson, providing advice and insight into how they practice at Keene State. 

When asked about her athletic achievements, Mattson expressed pride in her backstroke, which she has perfected with the help of KYD coach Peder Seymour.

Mattson was also joined at the signing by ConVal High School Assistant Principal Richard Simoneau and Principal Heather McKillop, who said they were proud of Mattson for pursuing her athletic and academic goals in higher education. 

Mattson’s swimming career with Keene State College will start in early September. The season lasts through mid-February.