LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State women's swimming and diving head coach Rick Pratt announced the addition of Lauren Hemburrow, Neza Kocijan and Airam Oliva-Aun for the 2018-19 season.
 
"With a relatively small senior class graduating, we were looking for a handful of high quality swimmers and students," Pratt said. "All three of these swimmers are going to make an immediate impact and we're excited to add them to our team.  We still have a couple pieces to add moving forward, but this was a strong start to continue improving for next year's class."  
 
Lauren Hemburrow – Aurora, Ontario, Canada
 
Intended Major: Psychology
 
Hemburrow, who hails from Aurora, Ontario, Canada, swims for the New Market Stingrays under head coach Allen Swanston. She currently competes in the freestyle, fly and IM categories.
 
"Lauren has a great personality and has been a lot of fun to get to know through the recruiting process," said Pratt. "She comes from a team that knows how to work hard and she has several athletic traits that will allow her to continue to improve. She is strong and has great under waters, which will serve her well in yards racing.  She's going to be a strong teammate and we're excited to have her commitment."
 
Personal Bests:  100 free: 59.81LCM; 100 fly: 1:05.61LCM; 200 IM: 2:19.87SCM
 
 
Neza Kocijan – Ljubljana, Slovenia
 
Intended Major: Kinesiology
 
The Ljubljana, Slovenia native will add depth to the freestyle events as well as relays.
 
"Neza is a smart, hardworking individual who is going to help our program in many ways," Pratt said. "We've been looking for a talented sprinter and we really hit a home run with Neza. She has great technique and the skills to be one of the top sprinters in the WAC and potential for the NCAA.  It's been a lot of fun to get to know Neza and we're looking forward to coaching her."
 
Personal Bests:  50 free: 26.32LCM; 100 free: 57.46LCM
 
Airam Oliva-Aun – El Paso, Texas
 
Hailing from El Paso, Texas, Oliva-Aun currently swims for Franklin High School as well as the El Paso Aqua Posse under the direction of head coaches Jack White and LeAnn Carr. She will specialize in the freestyle and sprint fly events for NM State.
 
"I've known Airam since she was 10-years-old when she attended our swim camp and have been able to watch her compete locally ever since," said Pratt. "It is really special to watch a local talent like Airam grow up and want to be an Aggie. She has a strong feel for the water and skills that should allow her to thrive in our program and I can't wait to coach her.  She is a kind person and will bring much to our program."
 
Personal Bests: 100 fly:  56.40; 200 free: 1:53.78; 100 free: 53.26