Nov. 16, 2004

Champaign, Ill. - The University of Illinois swimming and diving team has signed three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the NCAA's early signing period, head coach Sue Novitsky announced today. Two of three members hail from Illinois, while the third travels in from Kentucky.

Beverly Halloran, North Aurora, Ill./Rosary High School - Backstroke, Freestyle

Currently swims for the Academy Bullets club team along with her varsity team ... Holds a top time of 1:00.04 in the 100 back ... Recorded a career best time of 2:10.64 in the 200 back ... Plans to major in journalism.

Novitsky on Halloran: "Beverly is going to add more depth to our backstroke group. She has been branching out into different events and this is something that we will continue to explore at Illinois. Beverly is energetic and enthusiastic about swimming and academics. We expect her to continue to develop while at Illinois."

Lindsey Shirley, Decatur, Ill./Warrensburg-Latham H.S. - Distance Freestyle

Qualified for the Illinois High School State meet in the 200 and 500 free ... Was the 2004 Sectional Champion in the 500 free ... Earned WAND Athlete of the Week this season ... Currently swims for the Decatur Swim club team along with her varsity team ... Top time in the 200 free was 1:155.47 ... Touched the wall in career best 5:05.73 in the 500 free.

Novitsky on Shirley: "Lindsey will be an excellent addition to our distance freestyle group. She has a very strong work ethic and is able to push herself in practice and competitions. One of the main things that attracted us to Lindsey was her desire to find out how good she can be and to constantly keep finding ways to get faster. Coming in and training with a solid group around her is only going to make her better. Lindsey is following many in her family that are Illinois graduates and current Illinois students, and can't wait to wear the Orange and Blue."

Katie Theissen, Edgewood, Kent./Notre Dame Academy - Sprint Freestyle, Backstroke, IM

Kentucky High School State Champion in the 50 free and was runner-up in the 100 free ... Named a High School All-American ... NISCA Top 16 - 50 free, 100 back, 100 free, 400 Notre Dame Academy school record holder - 50 free, 100 free, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay ... Member of the USA Swimming Senior National relay teams - 400 medley relay, 800 free relay, 400 free relay ... Kentucky Enquirer Swimmer of the Year ... Her top time in the 100 free (51.70) was good enough for the US Open standard.

Novitsky on Theissen: "We are excited to have Katie join the Fighting Illini family. Katie is a dynamic and powerful athlete who has performed well in championship situations. She will primarily be swimming sprint freestyle, but is versatile and can branch out into the backstroke and individual medley events. Her time in the 100 freestyle would currently rank her 10th on the all-time list at Illinois. Besides her swimming talents, Katie is a very enthusiastic and motivated person who is driven to meet her goals."