High school career
Joyce split her high school years between Webster, New York and Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the family relocated to in 2001. It was in Ann Arbor that Joyce began training with Club Wolverine under Jon Urbanchek. Joyce also chose to compete for her high school team, the Ann Arbor Pioneers. In her senior year of high school, she set five Michigan High School State records, four of which were National High School records at the time. (Her state records are in the 50 m, 100 m and 200 m freestyle as well as the 200 m and 400 m freestyle relays. While only able to swim a total of 4 events, Joyce set the 50 m freestyle record by leading-off the 200 m freestyle relay.)
In total, Joyce broke a total of 5 National High School records.
Collegiate career
Joyce swam for Jack Bauerle at the University of Georgia (UGA). During her freshman campaign, Joyce won 5 NCAA titles including two individual titles (50 m freestyle, 100 m freestyle), helping Georgia to its third consecutive runner-up finish. As a sophomore, Joyce along with junior Mary DeScenza led Georgia to its first NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championship in 4 years by defending her individual titles in the 50 m and 100 m freestyle as well as adding a 4th place in the 200 m freestyle. Joyce was also a key swimmer on four of Georgia's five NCAA Championship relays. En route to their victory, Georgia became the first team in NCAA swimming history to win all five relays.
During the 2006 NCAA Championships, contested at UGA's Gabrielsen Natatorium, Joyce led the Bulldogs to a second place finish with five NCAA titles and Swimmer of the Year honors. On the first day of the meet, Joyce broke the American Record in the 50 m freestyle (scy), previously held by former Bulldog Maritza Correia. Joyce defended her 100 m freestyle title and added to that with a win in the 200 m freestyle. By winning all three, Joyce became the first swimmer in the 25 year history of the Women's NCAA Championship Meet to win the 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m freestyle events.
Personal information
Full name : Kara Lynn Joyce
Country : United States
Stroke(s) : Freestyle
Club: FAST Swim Team
College team : University of Georgia
Date of birth : October 25, 1985 (1985-10-25)
Place of birth : Brooklyn, NY, USA
Height : 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
