2009-10 UPDATE (AS OF NOV. 13)
• Competed in the 200 backstroke (2:18.13) against West Virginia/Colgate (10/24), finishing 10th.

2008-09 (FRESHMAN YEAR): Swam in the 100 and 200 backstroke in first collegiate season ... Finished seventh in both the 100 backstroke (1:03.44) and 200 backstroke (2:15.90) against Ohio State ... Had a time of 2:15.99 in the 200 backstroke against Rutgers ... Was 25th in the 200 backstroke (2:16.65) at the Ohio State Invitational ... Personal bests in the 100 (1:00.55) and 200 backstroke (2:15.66) came in first home meet against Richmond ... It also marked the first collegiate action of career.

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Weston High School in Conn. and Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa. ... Was an All-American Scholar Athlete and led Weston to a state championship in 2006 ... Was All-State in the 100 backstroke and 400 free relay at Weston ... Was awarded the "Succeed in Sports; Lead in Life" award, given out by Chatham University for women in athletics ... Also swam for Renens Natation, a club team in Switzerland.

PERSONAL: Full name is Kristen Mae McKnight ... Born on Feb. 10, 1990 in Pittsburgh, Pa. ... The daughter of Sharon and Kevin McKnight ... Has one brother, Jared (22), who is currently a student at Penn State ... Mother and grandfather, John Erb, are both graduates of Penn State ... Anticipates becoming a double major in elementary education and French.

ON CHOOSING PENN STATE: "I truly am Penn State proud and have been since I can remember. Academically and athletically, there is no other place like it."

GETTING TO KNOW KRISTEN
Nickname: Knighty/McChicken
Major & Why: Elementary Education & French because I love kids and speak French fluently.
Favorite Thing About Penn State: Everything!!! Also, night football games.
Favorite Thing About State College: School spirit
Favorite Restaurant In State College: Corner Room
Favorite Ice Cream At The Creamery: Peanut Butter Swirl
Favorite Penn State Sport Other Than Swimming: Football!
Favorite Athletic Memory At Penn State: Training trip
Favorite Class At Penn State: French 401
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Musical Artist: Michael Jackson
Favorite Movie: Singing in the Rain
Favorite TV Show: Psych
Favorite Website: addictinggames.com
Favorite Sports Broadcaster: Jerome Bettis
Favorite Pro Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins!!!
Favorite Athlete: Evgeni Malkin
Childhood Idol: My mother
Hobbies: Dancing, especially tap
Biggest Fear: Heights
Magazine Cover I'd Like To Be On: People
Most Prized Possession: My autographed Gregory Hines picture
Place I'd Like To Visit: Australia
If I Had $1Billion, I Would: Be so happy!
After Penn State, I Would Like To: Teach at an elementary school and travel all over.