Hall of Fame
National caliber swimmer. Two-time qualifier for AIAW National Championships (1981 & 1982). Four-peat All-Mid-American Conference performer (1981-84) with eight career league titles (four individual & four relays). Became first Northern Illinois female swimmer to reach AIAW Nationals as frosh and placed 29th in 50-yard backstroke (:28.16) (March 20, 1981). Won state AIAW 50 backstroke (state-record :28.22), tied for Mid-Am title in same event (:27.98 in finals), and earned All-MAC status in frosh campaign. Completed first year with five NIU individual records (and five relay standards), team MVP honors, Northern Illinois Woman Athlete of Year accolades, and Illinois AIAW All-State recognition (1980-81). Repeated as All-MAC pick, league 50 backstroke titlist (:28.07), and AIAW Nationals qualifier, plus finished 23rd at AIAW Nationals as soph. Earned third All-MAC plaque and third loop 50 backstroke crown (:28.145). Plus swam legs on three first-place Mid-Am relay units (200 medley, 200 free, and 400 medley) as junior co-captain. Made All-MAC, won loop 100-yard backstroke (1:00.67), and contributed to Mid-Am champion 200 medley relay unit as senior. Finished Huskie career with seven individual school records and five relay marks. Recruited by Susie Jones and coached by Janie Gerrity. Four-year NIU letter-winner. Lettered in swimming (4) and track (3) at Menomonee Falls (WI) East High School. Won WIAA state crowns in 100 backstroke (1977) and 50 free (1978). Two-time prep All-State and All-America pick. Nicknamed "Doodle." Raised in family with six swimming siblings.
