NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State Swim and Dive head coach Caitlin Hamilton announced Monday the addition of high school standout Michelle Fernandez to the Redbird's 2023 signing class. Fernandez joins Sylvia Admire (Claremore, OK) and Lauren Campbell (Ontario, Canada), who penned their NLIs to Illinois State back in November.
A native of Hialeah, Florida, Fernandez is a three-time FHSAA State champion in the 100-yard breaststroke. She won three consecutive 100 breast titles to open her high school career, including a personal-best mark of 1:03.60 to take the crown during her junior campaign. Most recently, she placed second with a time of 1:05.14 in the 100-yard breaststroke final at the Florida 2A State Championship in November. She also set a pair of personal bests in the 50-yard freestyle en route to a sixth place mark of 23.93 in the final.
"Michelle was a natural fit into our team from the moment she walked onto campus," Hamilton said. "She will help fill some immediate needs within the program and has the talent to make a big impact both individually and on future relays. We are all very excited to have her as a Redbird."
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