National Champion Dana (Kennedy) Abbasse Inducted Into Holly L. Lepley Hall of Honor

“I am truly humbled even to be considered for this honor, let alone be inducted into this group of people I have known and looked up to throughout my swimming career,” stated Abbasse. “I owe my swimming accomplishments to the other individuals who were on the team and participated in relays with me, as well as to those who supported me during training and outside of practices. My most memorable successes were those that involved group efforts. I am truly honored to be recognized as playing a role in the team’s success.”

 

Growing up close by in Bingham Farms, Mich., Abbasse was part of OLY Swimming in Rochester, the place she was coached by Tracy Huth for a few years, and was later recruited to turn out to be the pinnacle coach of swimming and diving at Oakland. 

“Tracy invited me to be a part of his team as his first recruit,” Abbasse defined. “Although I was considering other schools and planned on going out of state, I had tremendous respect for him and wanted to continue swimming with him. When I went on an official visit and met the team, I knew OU was the place for me. I loved the close-knit atmosphere of the team and wanted to be part of the work. I knew Tracy would put in the hard work needed to build the women’s program into a highly successful team.“

During her time at Oakland, Abbasse contributed to the 1990 and 1991 Division II National Championship groups, the place she was part of the championship groups for each the 200 free relay and 400 free relay every year. She and her staff helped the Pioneers obtain their first-ever National Championship through the 1989-90 season, which led to successful 5 back-to-back nationwide titles from 1990 to 1994. Abbasse and the ladies’s swim staff additionally helped set the then-record for the all-time GLIAC title mark, incomes eight league titles between the 1989 and 1997 seasons.

Along along with her convention and nationwide championship groups, Abbasse was additionally the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (GLIAC) 50 free champion through the 1988-89 season. Her continued success and management are evidenced by a number of awards, together with choices to the GLIAC All-Conference Team (1989-91) and Division II All-American honors (1988-91).

Even with the nationwide championships and years of success, certainly one of Abbasse’s favourite recollections was touring to Curacao for a winter coaching journey, the place the staff acquired to coach outdoor and simply bond as a staff.

“The first thing that always comes to mind when I think of OU swimming and diving is the bond among the team, not just within my four years but across all years,” Abbasse stated. “During my time, we worked together to accomplish many new accolades, such as the first GLIAC championship win and the first NCAA DII championship wins. Tracy’s passion and drive were of utmost importance. He not only motivated the team to compete at our highest potential but also supported us in all aspects of our lives. Furthermore, my time at OU would not have been the same without my teammates, Shelly Pilarski-Robinson and Niki Kelsey, with whom I lived with for several years. Their unconditional support and friendship are things I will always treasure.“

After graduating from Oakland, Abbasse served as a graduate assistant coach for Wayne State swimming and diving. Later, she started instructing for Lake Orion Community Schools, spending 20 years instructing second grade and at the moment instructing center college language arts.

“Swimming has definitely helped me in life. I have learned to be very punctual and manage my time well because of years of balancing swimming with everything else,  Abbasse said. “I’m additionally goal-oriented in each my private {and professional} life, which has helped me tremendously.“

She expresses her gratitude to Coach Tracy for providing her the opportunity to be part of the OU swim and dive program, and is honored to have been a part of the start of his career at Oakland.

Abbasse will likely be formally inducted on the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, within the Oakland Center Ballrooms. To be taught extra in regards to the ceremony and to register to attend, click on HERE.