Gwen Bakker

Class:
Sophomore
Major:
Undecided
Hometown:
Nashville, Tenn.
High School:
Father Ryan

NIL Opportunities

2024-25

Academic All-Big Ten

2023-24

Swam the program's third-fastest 50 breaststroke (29.04) and eighth-fastest 100 breaststroke (1:02.95) at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship
Part of the program's sixth-fastest 200 medley relay (1:40.60) at the CSCAA National Invitational Championship
Placed 22nd in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.00) to score three points at the Big Ten Championships, fourth most on the team
Recorded a season-best in the 200 breaststroke (2:20.54) at the Big Ten Championships

High School

2023 Tennessee State Champion (100 breaststroke and 200 medley relay)
3x All-American
1x All-State
3x Southeastern Champion

Personal

Daughter of Matthew and Tammy Bakker... Has two brothers; Gregory and Wyatt and two sisters; Kaylin and Addison... Her mom Tammy swam and played basketball at Hope College... Her uncle, Andrew Lukanich, wrestled at Illinois for four years... She lists her high school coach, Bink Baxter, as her biggest influence in her athletic career because he gave her the advice to 'be comfortable being uncomfortable" and it has stuck with her ever since and makes her push herself... Chose Illinois "Because of their tradition and legacy. From the moment that I met the swim team, my professors, and my coaches I knew this was where I was meant to be."