When it comes to producing college talent, very few girls soccer programs have a better track record than Norwin. For decades, the Knights have seen myriad players thrive at the next level. One of the latest in that tradition is Paloma Swankler, who played for a WPIAL crown at Norwin and is now excelling at Robert Morris University. Swankler is under the spotlight in the return edition of Westmorland Alum Q&A.

At Norwin, Swankler wasted little time in establishing herself as a key component. As a freshman in 2018, she garnered All-Section honors. That year, the Knights went 15-3-0, including 12-0-0 in section play. Qualifying for the WPIAL Class 4A postseason, Norwin bested North Allegheny, but fell to Peters Township in the semifinals to conclude the season.

The next year, Swankler was again an All-Section performer. The Knights enjoyed even more success collectively, compiling a mark of 18-3-0, including a perfect 12-0-0 once again in the section. In the WPIAL playoffs, Norwin defeated Fox Chapel Area and Seneca Valley, reaching the title round. However, the Knights came up short against North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 4A Championship at Highmark Stadium. After settling for silver, the Knights dropped their first game in the state playoffs, losing to McDowell.

During the COVID-altered 2020 campaign, Swankler again received All-Section accolades. The Knights went 9-3-1, including 8-1-1 in the section ledger, but again fell to NA, this time in the WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals.

In Swankler’s senior campaign of 2021, she not only was All-Section, but she was also a nominee for the Moe Rosensteel Most Outstanding Player Award. With Swankler leading the way, the Knights went 13-5-0, including 8-2-0 in the section. Back in the WPIAL Class 4A postseason, the Knights defeated North Hills, but came up short against Seneca Valley in the semifinals to conclude the year.

In addition to her four All-Section honors, Swankler finished her career as a two-time All-WPIAL performer. In total, she netted 46 goals and dished out 21 assists at Norwin.

With her high school career in the rear-view, Swankler matriculated to Robert Morris University, joining the Colonials as a forward for the 2022 season. That year, she appeared in 17 games, starting four times. Swankler tallied two goals and two assists, registering 25 shots. That year, RMU went 7-7-4 overall, but just 1-7-2 in the Horizon League.

As a sophomore in 2023, Swankler played in 20 contests, including one start. She posted two goals and an assist, firing 27 shots. One of those goals was particularly crucial, as it served as the game winner that allowed the Colonials to secure a postseason spot. Robert Morris improved to 12-5-3 overall, including 5-4-1 in the Horizon, qualifying for the conference tournament. The Colonials notched a home win against Wright State, but then lost to Milwaukee in the Horizon League semifinals.

Last season, Swankler enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. She started all 19 contests, producing six goals and five assists, while compiling 46 shots, leading the team in each category. For her performance, she was named Second-Team All-Horizon League. The Colonials achieved a mark of 6-7-6, including 4-3-3 in the conference. Back in the Horizon League Tournament, RMU outlasted IU Indy, but again fell to Milwaukee in the semifinal round.

Now in her senior season, Swankler has started all nine matches, registering two goals, one assist, and nine shots. To this point, the Colonials have gone 2-5-2, including 0-1-1 in the Horizon League.

Paloma dedicated time from her schedule to answer questions about the significance of being a team captain, her most enjoyable college course, and her peculiar drink choice before and during soccer games.

Q: How have you evaluated your individual performance so far this season?

A: With every game, I learn more about myself, as a player and person. I am blessed for every minute I get on the field, but at the performance level, I am always looking to invoke more out of myself. I have struggled with correlating the stat sheet with my in-game performance, but this year, I am looking at what I can do on all sides of the ball for my team.

Q: What is the significance of being named a team captain?

A: In my second year of being named a captain, I am grateful for the opportunity to support a team of players who are truly bought into the experience. They are willing to fail, reassess, learn, and try again. When every single player is impacted by a win or a loss, it shows the culture of the entire team.

Q: What have been your biggest areas of growth during your career at RMU?

A: Division I soccer has challenged me in ways that I never thought were possible. There were many times where I wanted to give up and quit or transfer, but I told myself, “If I can overcome this, then I can do anything.” The adversity helped me to grow as a person, and for that, I will always be indebted to soccer.

Q: What team and individual goals have you set for this season?

A: As a team, we are always aiming for the conference title and NCAA bid. We have the players and tools to get there; we just have to execute and play our game. For myself, I want to raise that standard of excellence and contribute to our team goals in any way possible. In my last season, I want to make every second matter.

Q: There are several other WPIAL players on your team. Which of them did you know prior to RMU?

A: From my senior class, I knew Malia Kearns, Emerson Johngarlo, and Jillian Marvin because we all played at Beadling SC together. Other WPIAL players include: McKenzie Pritts, Madi Hurst, Riley Hall, Sydney Chontos, Rease Solomon, and Alayna Williams.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Robert Morris?

A: I chose RMU because of its proximity to home, academic opportunities and programs, and small student-to-faculty ratio. When I was being recruited, the RMU women’s soccer team was rebuilding, and I wanted the opportunity to join a program and leave it better than when I found it.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: I plan to graduate in December with a bachelor’s of science in psychology and a minor in education. With this, I hope to attend graduate school to study occupational therapy with hopes of becoming a pediatric OT.

Q: What has been your most enjoyable college course?

A: My favorite college course was “psychology of sport” with Dr. Samantha Monda, who is my academic advisor and personal mentor. It was highly applicable to my soccer experiences and inspired me to possibly pursue coaching when I am older.

Q: You played for a very successful program at Norwin. What has made the Knights an annual contender?

A: In my four years at Norwin, we were a powerhouse team, and it is in credit to the legacy left before us. The baseline expectation is so high that even our worst year can post a great record. Ashley DeVito and Matt Klingensmith are great coaches, so I have no doubt that Norwin will continue to be a WPIAL championship contender.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory?

A: Not associated with soccer, my favorite high school memory was when I traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the National Show Choir Championships; we won first place overall! On the pitch, I have so many to choose from, but I would say scoring the game-winning goal on my senior night was one of the best.

Q: If you could change one rule about college soccer, what would it be?

A: I would definitely bring back the “golden goal” rule in overtime; nothing beats scoring a golden goal. To add to that, I would make overtime similar to hockey overtime, where teams will progressively have to sub off one player per team until someone scores.

Q: Do you prefer water, a sports drink, or something else during soccer?

A: I usually stick to water and occasionally Gatorade. However, I get the worst calf cramps when I play soccer, so I started to drink pickle juice before the game and during halftime. Some of my teammates think it’s gross, but I can’t play a soccer game without it.

Q: What is your favorite social media app?

A: My favorite social media app is either Instagram or TikTok. I try not to be on my phone too much, but if I am, those are probably the apps I tend to click on first.

Q: You previously visited your birthplace in China. What did you enjoy most about that experience?

A: When my family and I visited China, I was only 5 years old, so I don’t really remember much. Some of my favorite memories were when we went to a giant panda reserve, ate traditional cuisine, and explored the local arts and crafts markets. It was fascinating to see a culture that I originated from.

Q: If you woke up tomorrow with $1 million, what is the first thing you'd do?

A: I would probably call my mom first. It would most likely sit in my bank account for a while, but I’d eventually want to travel to Iceland, China, or Australia with my family. I don’t really like spending money if I don’t have to.