Eastern Illinois University Athletics

2012-13 ... Finished her impressive Panther career by improving her EIU Top 10 finish in the 100-Breast as she set a new school record time of 1:05.89 in the prelims of the Summit League meet... while she also swam the second leg in both the 200 and 400-Medley Relays that also set new Panther times to place fourth and sixth place, respectively... lastly, she earned a new No. 10 rank in the 200-IM... also competed in the 100-Fly and 200-IM.

2011-12 ... Had a fine junior campaign as she earned All-Summit League honors as she placed third in the 200-Breast event at the end-of-season meet... swam the second leg of the new school record 200-Medley Relay squad, which placed fourth at the league event... also had the squad's best time in the 100-Breast, as well as the third fastest finish in both the 200 and 400-IM races... member of the 400-Medley Relay squad as well, swimming the second leg that recorded the three best times over the course of the season.

2010-11 ... Earned new EIU marks in both the 100 and 200 Breast events at the end-of-season Summit League meet… also saw action in the 50-Free and 100-Fly… while her 200-IM time ranks as the third fastest by a Panther on the season.

2009-10 ... As a true freshman, swam in the 50, 100 and 200 Free as well as the 50 and 100 Back… finished with the squad’s top times in both the 100 and 200 Breasts… while earning a spot in the EIU record books with a third place rank in the 100-Breast… also saw action as one of four swimmers in both the 200 and 400-Medley Relays, both of which set new schools marks.

HIGH SCHOOL ... Member of swimming and water polo squads at William Fremd HS for coaches Andy Larsen, Kristan Newby and Brian Newby... set a JV mark in the 100-Breast (1:13.12)... varsity record in 100-Breast (1:06.75) and breast swimmer for 200-Medley Relay (1:51.95) squad... earned varsity captain honor while setting numberous school records all four years... Earned All-Conference, All-Sectional, and All-State Second Team kudos as a member of her water polo squad her senior year, with Fremd placing third in state... as a swimmer, was a two-time All-Mid-Suburban Conference, All-Sectional and IHSA state qualifier... four year Honor Roll member... swam for both the Palatine Park District and Feeder swim clubs.

PERSONAL ... A family and consumer science major... daughter of William Dicanio and Bernadette DiCanio… born on March 15... No. 1 sports highlight was “placing fourth in the Summit League Conference during the 2010-11 season”… credits her parents and former coaches for having the biggest influence on her sports career, “because they have been my support system throughout all the years and have taught me to always follow my dreams and work hard for my goals.”

OUT OF THE WATER WITH KELLI ... Chose EIU “because of the academic program and the major I wanted to study as well as the athletic program”… feels some of EIU’s advantages over other Summit League schools include “Eastern having the power to expand and improve every season for every sport… there is so much room to grow and try new things to see if they improve the programs already on campus”… enjoys playing water polo, spending time with family and friends, meeting new people and visiting new places… currently driving a 2006 Jeep Wrangler… enjoys eating pizza but dislikes seafood… Jersey Shore and Glee are her two favorite tv shows… has a beagle mutt mix named Bailey and a Lhasa Maltese/Lhasa Apso mix named Bear… enjoyed taking a FCS family relations class taught by mrs. Yousaf… since coming to EIU she has learned “to take a lot of naps during my free time and manage my study time wisely”… can’t go anywhere without her phone… her advice to a younger swimmer is “the first year is always the hardest… adjusting to the time and commitment is hard but staying positive and having an optimistic view on things will make it so much fun.”