Swim and Dive Welcomes Four New Bears

Northern Colorado swim and dive welcomes a quartet of talented swimmers to the program in Sunna Vilhjálmsdóttir, Saana Liikonen, Katelyn Bergin and Paula Lomónaco.

"I am thrilled about the first round of signees in our incoming freshman class," head coach Lisa Ebeling. "This group of girls is incredibly dynamic and each of them will have a huge impact on our program beginning the day they step foot on campus. They are all very excited about our vision and mission and about the prospect of working hard to contribute to our ultimate goals. We can't wait to get them to campus!"

Sunna Vilhjálmsdóttir, Reykjavík, Iceland
Sunna Vilhjálmsdóttir comes to Northern Colorado from Iceland where she has competed in the Nordic Championships and Small Nation Games as a part of the Icelandic National Team. At the Small Nation Games, she earned a third place finish in the 100 meter breaststroke. She has won gold medals at the Reykjavík International Games and placed in second and third in the breaststroke events at the Icelandic Championships.

Vilhjálmsdóttir on why she chose to be a Bear
"I picked UNC because I really like their program and the location. The coaches, Lisa and Will are doing a great job with the team and I'm sure that they can help me to become a better swimmer. I also know that I can get a great education in UNC and I'm very excited to become a Bear!"

Get to Know Sunna
Hobbies/interests: Being with friends and family, watching movies and doing fun activities with my friends
Favorite music/artists: Hip-hop, R&B and pop music.
Favorite foods: Pasta, schnitzel and pizza
Favorite TV Shows: The Office, Rizzoli & Isles and Queer Eye
Best movies of all-time: The Lion King, Interstellar and Home Alone
Most interesting places visited: Montenegro and Tenerife
Most influential people growing up? Hrafnhildur Lúthersdóttir, Jessica Alba and my mother.

Saana Liikonen, Vääksy, Päijät-Häme, Finland
Sanna made a splash in her home country of Finland swimming in the Finnish National Championships. When she arrives on campus next fall, she will make an immediate impact for the team in the relays.

Liikonen on why she chose to be a Bear
"I immediately felt a connection with the coach, and I am beyond excited to start swimming and being a part of an awesome team! GO BEARS!"

Get to Know Saana
Hobbies/interests: Cycling, volleyball, soccer, basketball, knitting, badminton, spending time in nature
Favorite music/artists: JVG, Elastinen
Favorite foods: Chicken pasta, pad thai, nachos
Best movies of all-time: Marvel movies, The Sound of Music
Favorite TV shows: White Collar, Black List
Most interesting places visited: Tuscany, Italy, New York, the Alps
Most influential people growing up? My parents

Katelyn Bergin, Stockport, England
Katelyn is a tri-sport athlete competing in swimming, cross country and netball for the Stockport Grammar School. Bergin has a long list of accolades that she brings with her to UNC including being selected for the English Schools Swimming Association inter division championships in 2018 representing the southwest portion of England. She also competed in the England National Winter Junior Swim Championships winning gold in three events, silver in two and bronze in two more.

At the Swim England National Summer Meet in 2018, she was a two-time silver medalist. Bergin was a five-time finalist in the Irish Open and Irish National Championships this past summer. She won silver in the 100 butterfly at the Irish National Championship.

Bergin on why she chose to be a Bear
"I feel that it is a real honor to be joining UNC as a student-athlete. After speaking with coach Lisa about the swim team, academics and life on campus the move to UNC just felt right. She won me over with her great enthusiasm and her vision for the team in the years ahead. UNC offers me the perfect opportunity to combine training and competition with my choice of studies in Sport and Exercise Science. Go Bears!"

Get to Know Katelyn
Hobbies/interests: Skiing, Baking, Walking my pet Labradoodle
Favorite music/artists: I listen to all sorts depending on what my mood is!
Favorite foods: Chicken Fajitas and Banana Muffins!
Best movies of all-time: The Blind Side
Most interesting places visited: I have been very lucky as a child and traveled to many places around the world but my favorite has to be Barbados!
Most influential people growing up? My Junior Development Coach, Martin Brooks who is now Head Coach at Wirral ASC

Paula Lomónanco, Corvallis, Ore.
Lomónanco makes her way from Oregon to Greeley after competing and lettering all four years at Crescent Valley High School. While on the team she has been named the MVP and is a two-time team captain. Lomónanco is ranked as a top five swimmer in the state of Oregon. In 2019 she helped her team win the state title and is on the 4x100 freestyle relay team that holds the district record.

In the classroom, Lomónanco is a member of the National Honors Society and has earned the President's Volunteer Service Award. At UNC she plans to earn her degree in psychology.

Lomónanco chose Northern Colorado over Boise State, Washington State and San Diego State.

Lomónanco on why she chose to be a Bear
"I choose UNC because I loved the environment of the school and team. Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I have been to and Greeley reminded me of home. Everyone was super nice and enthusiastic. UNC has everything I was looking for, good education, an amazing swim program and a beautiful campus. I'm very excited to see what the future holds! Go Bears!!!"

Get to Know Paula
Hobbies/interests: Surfing, hiking, watching movies and painting
Favorite music/artists: Maroon 5, One Direction, and Andy Grammer
Favorite foods: Popcorn, pasta and burritos
Best movies of all-time: The Incredibles and Harry Potter
Favorite TV shows: Money Heist and Pretty Little Liars
Most interesting places visited: Menorca and Spain
Most influential people growing up? My mom and dad

To stay up to date on all things UNC swimming and diving visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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