Michelle Mehnert Class: Sophomore Hometown: Champaign, Ill. High School: University Event: Free/IM

2008-09 - Participated in eight regular season meets and two postseason meets for the Illini during her freshman year ... At the Miami Invitational, she swam to a career-best time in the 400 IM (4:49.92) ... Finished seventh in the 200 free against Iowa ... Against Illinois State, she placed sixth in the 1000 free in a career-best time of 11:03.99 ... At the Big Ten Championships, she participated in the 200 and 500 free and the 200 IM.

High School - Lettered in swimming, track and cross country at Centennial and University Laboratory High School ... USA Swimming Academic All-American 2006-08 ... Recognized as an All-American for the 400 free relay in 2004 ... Named to the IHSA All-State Team for cross country in 2006 and 2007 ... Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette "Runner of the Year" in 2006 ... University Laboratory High School Female Athlete of the Year 2007-08.

Personal - Born Dec. 25, 1989 ... Parents are Edward and Brenda Mehnert ... Has a younger brother, Peter ... Majoring in civil engineering ... Enjoys triathlons and cooking ... Lists her biggest thrill in sports as competing in the Junior Elite National Triathlon Cup on the same course as the Olympic Trials.