JUNIOR SEASON (1999-2000): Recorded the Lady Tigers second-fastest times of the season in both the 1000 and 1650-yard freestyle events… Co-winner of the LSU Academic Award… Competed at the Southeastern Conference Championships in both the 500 and 1650-yard freestyle events, as well as the 200-yard butterfly competition… Placed 19th in the 200 butterfly, 20th in the 1650 freestyle, and 31st in the 500-yard freestyle event… Finished with the Lady Tigers third-best times of the season in both the 500 freestyle and the 400 individual medley (4:30.74)… Member of the SEC Womens Swimming and Diving Academic Honor Roll by maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average in zoology… Earned her third varsity letter.
SOPHOMORE SEASON (1998-99): Second on the team in both the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard butterfly events… Swam a lifetime-best time in the 500-yard freestyle with a 5:02.24… Placed 16th at the SEC Championships in the 1650-yard freestyle… Member of the LSU Dean’s List… Member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll… Earned her second varsity letter.
FRESHMAN SEASON (1997-98): One of seven LSU freshmen to qualify for the SEC Championship travel squad… Qualified to compete in three individual events at the SEC Championships… Set a season-best time with her performance in the 200-yard butterfly competition… She swam the preliminary round in 2:04.14 and went on to finish in 15th place with a time of 2:05.55… Finished the 1650-yard freestyle in 14th place with a time of 17:09.09… First on the team in the 200-yard butterfly event… Second on the team in the 500, 1000, and 1650-yard freestyle competitions… Won the Coaches Award for her outstanding work ethic and attitude… Earned her first varsity letter.
Prior to LSU: Qualified for the Junior National Championships… Placed 19th at the Junior National Championships in the 200-yard butterfly… All-State qualifier in both the 200 and 500-yard freestyle competitions, as well as the 100-yard butterfly event… A two-sport athlete in both swimming and water polo.
Personal: Born March 1, 1978… Parents are Patrick and Maria O’Neal… Majoring in Zoology.
SHANNON’S TOP TIMES
200-yard butterfly 2:04.14 1998 SEC Championships
500-yard freestyle 5:02.24 1999 SEC Championships
1000-yard freestyle 10:25.61 2000 Florida State
1650-yard freestyle 17:05.34 2000 SEC Championships