Matt Benoit Class: Senior Hometown: Kent, Wash. High School: John F. Kennedy Weight: 180 Event: IM/Back/Breast Birthdate: 09/20/1987 Experience: SQ

Cal Success
• Was 2009 first-team Pac-10 All-Academic

• In 2009 had the team's highest cumulative GPA, earning the Academic Achievement Award

• Was a 2008 U.S. Open qualifier in the 200 IM

High School Success
• Was the 2006 3A Washington state champion in the 100 back

• Team finished third in state of Washington in 2006

• Member of 2005 National Select Camp Team

Personal
• Parents are Dan and Kalany Benoit

• Father, Dan, swam for Washington

• Majoring in legal studies

• Born Sept. 20, 1987, in Seattle, Wash.

CAL CAREER BESTS
100 Breast   58.31
200 Breast   2:07.11
200 IM       1:54.40

What do you think makes Cal unique and distinct from any other school?
Cal is often thought by outsiders to be a backwards place where rules don't seem to apply. I have come to appreciate the freedom of expression and thirst for knowledge that our University embraces. I don't think there is any other university in the country that allows their students the freedom to develop and define themselves in four years more than Berkeley.

How do you plan to use your degree from Cal?
I hope to use my degree to better my own life in all aspects as well as inspire others to maintain high expectations of themselves.

What is your favorite part of training?
The dryland circuit on Saturday mornings.

What was your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
European Legal History with Professor McCain. The class focused on the historical processes by which the concept of law and legal institutions have developed in society. The significance of these events along with the personal attention from an enthusiastic faculty.

What would you say makes Cal swimming team different than any other?
Cal swimmers have a great sense of passion and responsibility towards common team goals while each maintaining their own character and diverseness, which I find very unique.