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University of Illinois Athletics

2026-27 Swimming & Diving Roster

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini

Michelle Kaner

  • Class Senior
  • Major Psychology
  • Hometown Des Plaines, Ill.
  • High School Maine West
  • Instagram michellekaner12

Biography

2025-26

  • Notched second-fastest time in program history in the 100 backstroke (1:57.04) at the Big Ten Championships
  • Swam second-fast time in program in the 200 backstroke (1:57.04) at the Big Ten Championships
  • Recorded the seventh-fastest program time in the 50 backstroke (25.57) at the Hawkeye Invite
  • Scored eight points at 2026 Big Ten Championships, tied for second-most on the team
  • Led off program’s second-fastest 400 medley relay at Big Ten Championships (3:38.15)
  • Led off sixth-fastest 400 medley relay in Illinois history at the CSCAA Championships (3:40.48)
  • Led off the Fighting Illini’s tenth-fastest 400 medley relay (3:40.93) at the Hawkeye Invite
  • Took home gold in the 100 backstroke at Wisconsin (55.13)

2023-24 (Auburn)

Competed in 10 meets throughout the season... Began her collegiate career with a third-place finish in the 100 back (55.08) at Louisville... Swam a season-best 54.94 in the 100 back at the UGA Fall Invite... Secured a season-best in the 200 back (1:59.02) at Alabama.

High School

  • All-American
  • 2x All-State Selection
  • 6x All-Conference
  • All-Conference in water polo too
  • 4-year letterwinner
  • 2x Team MVP
  • National Honors Society Member
  • 4x Academic All-American

Personal

Born October 12, 2004... Daughter of Karoly and Anamaria Kaner... Has one sister, Nicole... Chose Illinois because "The team culture and atmosphere."

Historical Player Information

  • 2025-26Junior

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  • 2026-27Senior

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