Nicole Mertel

2013-14 – Did not compete … Named to SEC Winter Academic Honor Roll.

2012-13 – Swam in four meets during the regular season…Turned in the team[apos]s fastest time in the 200 backstroke at the Virginia Tech Invitational with a mark of 2:00.44, which ranks fifth all-time at South Carolina…Had the fifth fastest time on the team in the 100 backstroke (56.41)…Recorded a season-best fourth-place finish on two occasions, both in the 200 backstroke…Named to the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

PRE-COLLEGE – Graduated from Coronado High School…Lettered all four years under head coach David Stump…Two-time team captain…Holds six varsity school records…Swam for the Desert Storm club team under head coach Bill Carroll…Team captain of Desert Storm…Was a national qualifier…Graduated with high honors…Scholar Athlete.

PERSONAL –Full name is Nicole Kae Mertel…Born Nov. 10, 1993…Parents are Bob and Jacqueline Mertel…Has one brother, C.J., and two sisters, Alixan and Danika…Sister, Alix, swims at New Mexico State…Chose South Carolina because of its facilities, coaches and advisors…Plans to major in information technology.