Alex Ismail

Position:
Freestyle
Weight:
null
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Zionsville, Ind.
High School:
Zionsville Community

Career Best Times: 20.74 in the 50-yard freestyle; 44.89 in the 100-yard freestyle; 1:38.89 in the 200-yard freestyle.

General: A solid middle distance and sprint freestyler...two-time letterman...as a junior he will continue his role in adding depth to the team and challenging for a place among the top-tier freestylers in Carolina's excellent freestyle group...was only the second men's swimmer from Indiana to enroll at Carolina in the past three decades, joining Chad Ames of Crawfordsville (2003-06).

Long Course Highlights: Competed at the 2009 Speedo Sectional Championships in Knoxville, Tenn....earned three lifetime best times in the 50-meter freestyle (23.83), 200-meter freestyle (1:54.32) and 100-meter freestyle (52.34).

2008-09 (Sophomore): Spent most of the year battling an injury but finished the season on a positive note, achieving personal best times in the 50, 100, and 200-yard freestyle events at the Carolina Last Chance Meet...had his best dual meet finish of the season against Duke, placing second in the 200-yard freestyle behind teammate Chip Peterson...named to the 2008-09 ACC Adacemic Honor Roll...a fall 2008 Dean's List selection.

2007-08 (Freshman): Set career best times in the 50-yard (21.25) and 200-yard freestyle events (1:40.81) at the ACC Championships...competed for the Tar Heels at the conference meet as an exhibition entry...named to the 2007-08 ACC Academic Honor Roll.

Prep: Graduated in June 2006 from Zionsville Community High School, just northwest of Indianapolis in Boone County...swam for the Eagles' swimming team for four years...captain of the swim team from 2005-2007...three-time state high school qualifier in the 200-yard freestyle, finishing third as a senior...also finished third in the state meet as a senior in the 100-yard freestyle...ZCHS record holder in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyles, 100 back and as a member of the 200 medley, 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay squads...team MVP all four years...coached by Charlie Fry at the Washington Township Swim Club in Indianapolis...junior national qualifier in the 50, 100, 200 and 400-meter freestyles as well as the 200 back and on 400 free, 400 medley and 800 free relay units...member of National Honor Society...participated in PEER facilitating with elementary and middle school students.

Personal: Full name is Alexander Rashad Ismail...son of Richard Ismail and Betsy Ismail...was born April 3, 1989 in Cincinnati, Ohio...has one sister, Alison, 15.

Alex's Attributes
Academic Major at Carolina: International Area Studies
Career Plans: Undetermined
Hobbies: Listening to music, reading, watching foreign films, playing tennis, and watching professional soccer, college football and basketball
Athlete I Most Admire: Tom Dolan
Biggest Sports Thrill: Swimming in the finals of the Indiana State High School Athletic Association swimming championships
Person Who Has Had the Greatest Influence on My Athletic Career: My former Washington Township Swim Club coach Mark Hesse
Favorite Book: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Favorite Magazine: Men's Health
Favorite Food: Anything from Fresh Market
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Favorite TV Shows: Eastbound and Down, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 30 Rock, and The Office
Favorite Website To Visit: surfthechannel.com
City I've Never Been To But Want To Visit: Alexandria, Egypt
Entertainment Figure I'd Most Like To Have Dinner With: Keith Richards