Two U.S. Olympians Have Effingham Connections

An Olympic swimmer and a member of the United States volleyball team have local connections to Effingham.

Kelsey Robinson actually played several volleyball matches in Effingham at the Kessler's Nike Crossroads Classic. In 2009, Robinson was a member of the Wheaton St. Francis High School squad that won the championship of the Classic.

Not only was she a member of the winning team, Robinson was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Robinson, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter, went on to attend the University of Tennessee where she played and then finished out her college career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was part of the USA National Team that won the 2014 World Championship.

Robinson is 24 years old and is a first-time Olympian.

Another connection is Olivia Smoliga who was part of the U.S. women's 400 medley relay team that captured gold.

Smoliga, a 21-year-old, came to the U.S. in 1991 with her Polish parents who settled in Glenview. She was a member of the Titan Aquatic Club and set school records at Glenbrook South High School in the 100 yard backstroke and the 50 yard freestyle.

She attended Georgia College and is a first time Olympian.

Her connection to Effingham? She competed against Effingham's Avery Braunecker in the 50 meter free during Avery's sophomore year. She finished with a time of 21.99 and barely beat Braunecker who had a time of 23.09.

Effingham High School athletic director Dave Woltman phoned with information on the two competitors.