Michelle Kuyper

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Class: Junior Hometown: Orland Park, IL High School: Sandburg

Height: 5-5 Event: Free

personal bests

200 free - 1:55.08
500 free - 5:05.98
1000 free - 10:46.56

2011-12 Highlights: Swam career-bests in the 200 free and 1000 free ... swam third-fastest 1000 free and fifth-fastest 500 free time on team ... also swam sixth-fastest 100 free time.

2010-11 Highlights: Ranked second on the team in the 1000 and 1650 free events ... ranked third in the 500 free and seventh in the 200 free ... earned freshman team inspirational award.

HIGH SCHOOL (Sandburg): Lettered four years in swimming ... All-American as a senior ...team captain as senior ... team MVP as a junior and senior ... made it to junior nationals in 2009 ... National Honor Society member ... graduated Mu Alpha Theta ... high school swim coach was Jane Caliendo ... also swam for Hickory Willow Swim Association, coached by Tom Rieman.

PERSONAL: Member of cadet squadron 3 ... has a younger brother ... nickname is Chelle ... major is meteorology ... hobbies are running in my free time, watching movies and watching the Chicago Blackhawks! ... favorite food is Chicago pizza ... favorite movies are Boondock Saints and Armageddon ... favorite book is SEAL of Honor ... credits her high school teammates as having the biggest influence on her sports career ... daughter of Henry and Karen Kuyper.

Getting to Know Michelle...

• Pre-race/meet rituals: I just like to stretch a lot, and listen to music.

• I enjoy listening to: Anywhere from country to rap...it just depends on the day.

• Favorite quotes: :"I'll never reach my destination if I never try..." - Garth Brooks, The River
"The biggest risk you can take is to step up on that block and dare someone to beat you" - Jane Caliendo, High school coach