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University of Illinois Athletics

2025-26 Swimming & Diving Roster

Sophia Paduano

  • Class Sophomore
  • Major Psychology
  • Hometown Overland Park, Kan.
  • High School Blue Valley Northwest
  • Instagram sophiapaduu

Biography

2024-25

  • Achieved a new personal best in the 100 backstroke (54.78), ranking as the sixth fastest time in program history at the B1G Conference Championships
  • Holds the fifth fastest time in the 200 backstroke in program history, clocking in at 1:59.66 at the Big Ten Championships
  • Member of the 200 medley relay team, which ranks third with a time of 1:38.84 at the Hawkeye Invite, and holds ninth place with a time of 1:40.58 against Southern Illinois and Illinois State
  • Holds the second fastest time in the 400 medley relay in program history, recording a time of 3:39.20 at the Hawkeye Invite, and ranks fourth with a time of 3:40.88 at the NSCAA Championships
  • Achieved new personal bests in the 50 butterfly (26.18) and 100 butterfly (56.41) at the B1G Conference Championships
  • Holds the Arc Pool record in the 200 medley relay (2025)
  • Ranks sixth in program history in the 50 backstroke with a time of 25.63 at the CSCAA Championship

High School

  • 2023 All-American
  • 2023 IHSA State Champion in the 100 backstroke
  • 2022 IHSA State Champion in the 50 freestyle

Personal

Born September 22, 2006... Daugther of Nino Skilj and Ekaterina Danilenko... Three sisters, Taisa, Naevia and Ksenia... Chose Illinois because "I chose Illinois because it felt like home. The coaches are great and the team is as well."

Historical Player Information

  • 2024-25Freshman

    Back/Free
  • 2025-26Sophomore

    Back/Free