High School: Standout swimmer at Newark High School • led Newark to fifth place finish at the state championships as a senior in 2006 • placed second in the 200 medley relay, fourth in the 200 freestyle, fifth in the 100 backstroke, and sixth in the 400 freestyle relay at the state meet • placed third in the 200 medley relay and sixth in the 200 freestyle at the state meet as a junior in 2005.

Personal: Cecily Veronica Connell • daughter of Edward and Martina Connell • one of seven children • fitness management major at Delaware • lifeguard and swimming instructor during the summer.