Hall of Fame
Jeanne Carboni DeBonis was a trailblazer and a true pioneer in RPI athletics. A member of the Class of 1987, Jeanne made history as the first female athlete to represent RPI at the national level, as her qualification in the 1984 NCAA DIII Swimming Championships in Atlanta required RPI to transition women's swimming from a club sport to varsity status.
Over her career, Jeanne was a four-time national qualifier in both the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke, and she became the first female athlete at RPI to earn All-American status. She also played a significant role in setting and sharing approximately eight varsity records, showcasing her dominance in the pool.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Jeanne was recognized as the team's Outstanding Freshman and later earned the title of MVP. Her excellence extended beyond swimming- she graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, where she went on to work at NASA Lewis Research Center for seven years as a wind tunnel test engineer. She also entered RPI on an Air Force ROTC scholarship.
After graduation, Jeanne's passion for competition didn't stop. As a runner, she qualified and ran in the 2000 US Women's Olympic Trials Marathon. She then became a world class triathlete, further demonstrating her commitment to excellence. Off the pool deck, Jeanne's selflessness shone through as she generously shared her apartment with teammates during breaks when the dorms were closed, always putting the team first.
Â
