Natasha Neal Class: Junior Hometown: Oakland, Calif. High School: James Logan Last College: Texas Height: 5-4 Position: 100m HH, 400m IH Birthdate: 07/22/1980

THIS YEAR: Former prep All-American Natasha Neal gives USC a big boost in both hurdle events after transferring from Texas.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS: Last season, Natasha ran the ninth fastest time (57.54) in the nation in the 400m IH going into the NCAA meet ... She also ran the sixth-fastest time in the Big 12 in the 100m HH (13.73).

HIGH SCHOOL: Natasha was a three-time prep All-American at James Logan High in Oakland, Calif. ... She was the 1997 National Champion in the 400m IH, a 1997 Pan Am Bronze medalist in the 400m IH and 1600m relay and the 1998 California State champ in the 100m and 300m hurdles.

PERSONAL: Natasha was born on July 22, 1980 ... She is majoring in sociology at USC.

CAREER BESTS: 100m HH - 13.48 (13.22w), 400m IH - 56.86.