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University of Illinois Athletics

2026-27 Swimming & Diving Roster

Kennedy Rainwater

  • Class Junior
  • Major Kinesiology
  • Hometown Brookfield, Wis.
  • High School Brookfield Central
  • Instagram kennedy_rainwater

Biography

2025-26

  • Earned new personal best in the 100 butterfly (57.06) at the Tim Welsh Classic
  • Took home gold in the 500 (5:00.95) and 1000 (10:25.42) freestyle against Eastern Illinois

2024-25

  • Achieved a new personal best in the 1650 free, clocking 17:01.41 at the B1G Conference Championships
  • Set personal records in the 200 butterfly (2:05.34) and 400 IM (4:29.22) at the Hawkeye Invitational
  • Holds the tenth fastest time in the 100 freestyle (10:08.64) at Nebraska

High School 

  • All-State
  • Two-time team MVP
  • Four-year letterwinner

Personal

Born February 17, 2006... Daughter of Jeff and Sandra Rainwater... Finished 2026 Illinois Half Marathon in 1:35:31, tenth in her age group...Chose Illinois because "The team environment made me feel comfortable. The academics and athletics are outstanding, plus it felt like home."

Historical Player Information

  • 2024-25Freshman

    Free
  • 2025-26Sophomore

    Free
  • 2026-27Junior

    Free