The Illinois women’s swimming and diving team has signed two swimmers for the class of 2007, Rebecca DeSalle from Hinsdale, Ill., and Kasey Madden from Medina, Minn. DeSalle swam the 200-meter individual medley and the 100-meter breaststroke for her high school and club teams and was an IHSA state qualifier. Head coach Sue Novitsky believes DeSalle will make the Illini a stronger team.

“She will bring more strength and depth to the individual medley and breaststroke group and will continue to develop throughout her college career,” Novitsky said.

Madden, who began swimming competitively in high school, will look to contribute in the 200-meter free relay, 200-meter medley relay, and the 400-meter relay as she did in high school. Madden also led her high school squad to a fourth-place finish at the 2006 Minnesota State Meet.

“She’s on the upswings and that’s exciting to have her come in and hopefully progress and improve throughout her four years,” Novitsky said.