Loras College Athletics

A 14-time All-IIAC selection, seven-time IIAC champion, and nine-time All-American, Dana Lainio, formerly Klemm, compiled an impressive resume throughout her collegiate career. She was the 2007 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field national champion in the shot put, throwing 47'6.5" and became the program's sixth national champion. She was an All-American at the same meet, placing second in the hammer throw (181'4") and seventh in the discus (136'5"). At the conclusion of the 2007 outdoor season, she was selected as the NCAA Central Region Athlete of the Year and the field events Most Valuable Player. She earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics and secondary education and went on to teach at her alma mater Warren Township High School. She coached the high school's first state qualifier in the shot put on the boys' team and coached two athletes to break school records that held since 1972. Lainio lives in Beach Park, Ill. With her husband Dan and two children, Brianna and Connor.