Amy Balcerzak Field, Class of 1996

A prodigious scholar and exceptional athlete, Amy Balcerzak Field developed into one of the most respected elite-level swimmers in the history of the Peddie aquatic program. Her secret to success was none other than “good ole hard work,” combined with talent and a passion for the sport. She garnered no less than 12 All-American honors in her two years at Peddie while leading the Falcons to Eastern championship and runner-up finishes for Swimming World Magazine’s “mythical” national title.

Showing versatility, she competed in events ranging from sprint to mid-distance freestyle, individual medley and ruled the pool in her specialty, the 100 breaststroke. At the 1995 Easterns in Philadelphia, she blitzed the field in the breaststroke, posting a 1:03:07, which is still the standard to beat after more than a decade. In addition, she swam on two national record-setting relays, the 200 medley and 200 free relays and was a member of the nation’s No. 1-ranked 400 free relay team. Her long list of accomplishments at Peddie, including qualifying for the 1996 Olympic Trials in the breaststroke, had only reached the tip of the iceberg.

As a Northwestern University Wildcat, she developed into one of America’s most talented breaststrokers, eventually touching fourth at the 2000 Olympic Trials while clocking the fourth fastest time in U.S. history. A 20-time All-American and six-time Big Ten Champion, Balcerzak Field was named an Academic All-American four times to go along with the coveted GTE/College Sports Information Directors Organization of America Academic All-American First Team accolade.

Peddie valedictorian, world-class swimmer, positive role model, loyal teammate — what more could you ask? Amy Balcerzak Field epitomizes everything a Hall of Fame inductee/member should be and more!