Trial and Triumph

Ketia Swanier took resiliency and determination to a new level. The daughter of First Sergeants, Cornell (Smokey) and Rosie Swanier, learned, early on, the meaning of responsibility, adaptability, and heartbreak. Through numerous moves in the United States and abroad, she developed skills that serve her throughout life. She shares those skills and difficulties so other military brats may learn from her mistakes and achievements. Through a fierce love of basketball, she navigated "boys only" overseas basketball leagues, the US/AAU league, award-winning high school seasons, accepting a scholarship with the University of Connecticut, and winning a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury. Not satisfied with her own success, she established the Ketia4Kidz foundation that awards financial scholarships to help children of Army veterans reach their dreams and goals.