Laura (Pumphrey) Kane '15
Year: Class of 2024
Team: Women's Track & Field
Laura will go down as one of the greatest track and field athletes in program history. At the time of her graduation, she had the most All-American honors in WPI Women’s Track & Field history. She was a four-time NCAA All-American in high jump, including finishing tied for second during the outdoor season as a sophomore and in the spring of 2015 as a senior.
“She was one of the hardest workers we've ever had, while being a tremendous teammate and mentor,” remembers Brian Chabot, director of Cross Country and Track & Field. “Her attention to detail in a highly technical event like the high jump shined through when the lights were brightest. She remains one of our best championship performers, coming through in the clutch time and time again. She helped put our women's program on the map nationally with her four All-America performances, two as runner-up. She left an enduring legacy that has been carried forward by those who have followed in her footsteps."
A three-time All-Conference, five-time All-New England, and four-time All-ECAC honoree, she was a 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. She won two New England championships, as well as NEWMAC and ECAC titles in high jump—she holds the WPI indoor record (5’, 7.75”) in the event.
“Laura's combined grace and talent allowed her to achieve new heights—literally—as our team's most decorated high jumper,” recalls classmate Maya Rhinehart. “Her dedication to the sport both on and off the mat inspired us all, but her kindness and silly demeanor made her really stand out. For example, after the 4x100m team failed to medal at nationals, she put aside her own All-America win to comfort and joke around with us, brightening our spirits and making the 7-hour drive back much less melancholy. Thank you, Laura, for setting the bar so high on how to be the best athlete, co-captain, and friend. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement… no one deserves it more than you.”
While at WPI, Laura was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and Engineers Without Borders. She was often found volunteering at Gateway Park labs. She was a finalist for the President IQP Awards.
After graduating with high distinction in Biomedical Engineering, Laura began her career with AstraZeneca in its Global Operations Graduate Rotational program, moving around the country and then to Sweden. She returned to Massachusetts to work at Moderna in 2019, and is now an Associate Director, External Quality Assurance.
Laura lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Patrick Kane, WPI ’15; they enjoy trail running, cycling, and spending time with their dog, Otto.
