Marissa Nilon

Position:
Breaststroke
Height:
5-7
Class:
Senior
Hometown:
Kennett Square, Pa.
High School:
Unionville

General: One of the top breaststrokers on the UNC depth chart...a three-time returning letter winner who also swims the freestyle and IM...moved into Carolina's all-time Top 10 in both breaststroke events as a sophomore...ranks No. 6 at 100 yards and No. 10 at 200 yards...swam for coach Jay Lynch at the Delaware Swim Team.

2005-06: Provided valuable leadership on the team and was a consistent point producer in the breaststroke events...at the ACC Championships, she won the bonus consolation final of the 200-yard breaststroke to finish in 17th place...was the meet's 19th fastest finisher in the 100-yard breaststroke...also competed in the 200-yard individual medley...made the finals in both breaststroke events at Nike Cup.

2004-05: On the Carolina depth chart, she ranked No. 2 in the 100 breast and No. 3 in the 200 breast...at the ACC meet, she won the bonus consolation heat of the 100-yard breaststroke after dropping almost two seconds off her preliminary time to finish in 1:03.85...set a career best of 2:05.83 in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing 18th...also took 10th place in the 200-yard breaststroke...was named the women's swimming team's outstanding performer in strength and conditioning...named to the Dean's List in the fall semester 2004...named to 2004-05 ACC Academic Honor Roll.

2003-04: At the ACC Championships, she competed as an exhibition swimmer in the 100- and 200-yard breaststrokes. Prep: Graduated in June 2003 from Unionville High School...an accomplished swimmer there who specialized in the 100 breaststroke, 50 free and 100 freestyle...also played one year of lacrosse...first-team All-America selection in swimming...district champion...named to the All-State, All-District, All-Area, All-County and All-League Teams...also competed for the Delaware Swim Team, which won eight state championships...won president's award for outstanding academic excellence...an academic All-America selection.

Personal: Given name is Marissa Nilon...was born March 1, 1985 in Wilmington, Del....is the daughter of Patrick and Bonnie Nilon...has one brother and two sisters.

Marissa Nilon's Personality Profile
Major: Graphic Design, Sports Communications
Career Plans: Undecided
Hobbies: Other sports, painting, music
Athlete Most Admired: Travis Pastrana
Biggest Sports Thrill: Getting the opportunity to be an athlete at UNC
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite TV Show: Doug