Hall of Fame
Susan Follett Panella, a member of the Class of 1980, was a dominant and versatile swimmer who excelled in numerous strokes during the early years of the swimming and diving program at Middlebury.
Perhaps the strongest Panther swimmer of her era, Follett primarily competed in backstroke events while also finding success in freestyle and individual medley races. The co-captain helped lead her team to 44 dual meet triumphs, including an unblemished 11–0 campaign in 1979–80.
Follett also played a pivotal role in challenging and improving the men’s swimming and diving team in its club days. Alongside her teammates, she regularly bested her male counterparts, helping further hone her craft.
She shared or outright held 12 team records and established three Brown Pool records that were never broken. One such accomplishment was the 100-yard freestyle record of 56.9 seconds, a blistering clocking during a time of slower pools that stood for many years.
