University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Add Two Talented Swimmers to 2026 Signing Class
11/12/2025 11:42:00 AM | Women's Swimming & Diving
UNC welcomes Arizona standout Aubrielle Stevens and Italian national qualifier Lara Oggionni to the program
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado head swimming and diving coach Lisa Ebeling announced the signing of two standout swimmers to the Bears' 2026 recruiting class as part of National Signing Day.
The newest additions, Aubrielle Stevens from Arizona and Lara Oggionni from Italy, bring both domestic and international success to a program that continues to rise in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF).
"We are thrilled to welcome Aubrielle and Lara to the Bear family," said Ebeling. "Both of these athletes bring tremendous talent, passion, and a commitment to excellence that fits perfectly with our program's vision. They will make an immediate impact both in the pool and in our team culture."
Aubrielle Stevens
Freestyle/Breaststroke | Surprise, Arizona | Paradise Honors High School
Aubrielle Stevens joins the Bears from Paradise Honors High School in Surprise, Arizona, where she has been a key leader and record-setter in the pool. A four-year varsity swimmer, Stevens was nominated for Arizona High School Girls Swimming Athlete of the Year in 2025 and earned Team MVP honors in 2024.
Known for her strength in both freestyle and breaststroke events, Stevens has anchored multiple relay teams and set program bests at the regional level. Her leadership and energy have helped elevate Paradise Honors' swimming and diving program to new heights.
The daughter of Sarah and Geoffrey Stevens, Aubrielle plans to major in Early Childhood Education at UNC.
"Aubrielle is an incredible competitor who brings a contagious energy to everything she does," said Ebeling. "She's a versatile swimmer who will contribute in several key events for us right away. More importantly, she's a wonderful teammate and leader who embodies what it means to be a Bear."
Stevens chose Northern Colorado because, as she described, "the campus and community truly stood out to me. Everyone was so supportive and welcoming, and on my visit, I already felt like part of a family. Coach Lisa and Coach Chad made me believe I am capable of anything."
Lara Oggionni
Breaststroke | Milan, Italy | Caravaggio High School
Hailing from Pessano con Bornago, just outside Milan, Italy, Lara Oggionni brings international experience to the Bears roster. A breaststroke specialist, Oggionni has made several appearances in Italy's national youth championships, establishing herself as one of the country's top young talents in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events.
Oggionni trains with a competitive club in northern Italy and is known for her technical precision and consistency under pressure. The daughter of Carlo Ambrogio Oggionni and Jana Lupinc, she plans to pursue her studies at UNC while continuing to compete at a high level in the MPSF.
"Lara is a tremendous addition to our program and brings valuable international experience," said Ebeling. "Her passion for improvement and her drive to reach her full potential are exactly what we look for in our athletes. She will be a strong contributor for us in the breaststroke events."
Oggionni chose Northern Colorado for its blend of academic and athletic excellence, saying she was drawn to the university for "its numerous study opportunities, high-level team full of athletes who share the same passion, and its proximity to Denver."
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
The newest additions, Aubrielle Stevens from Arizona and Lara Oggionni from Italy, bring both domestic and international success to a program that continues to rise in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF).
"We are thrilled to welcome Aubrielle and Lara to the Bear family," said Ebeling. "Both of these athletes bring tremendous talent, passion, and a commitment to excellence that fits perfectly with our program's vision. They will make an immediate impact both in the pool and in our team culture."
Aubrielle Stevens
Freestyle/Breaststroke | Surprise, Arizona | Paradise Honors High School
Aubrielle Stevens joins the Bears from Paradise Honors High School in Surprise, Arizona, where she has been a key leader and record-setter in the pool. A four-year varsity swimmer, Stevens was nominated for Arizona High School Girls Swimming Athlete of the Year in 2025 and earned Team MVP honors in 2024.
Known for her strength in both freestyle and breaststroke events, Stevens has anchored multiple relay teams and set program bests at the regional level. Her leadership and energy have helped elevate Paradise Honors' swimming and diving program to new heights.
The daughter of Sarah and Geoffrey Stevens, Aubrielle plans to major in Early Childhood Education at UNC.
"Aubrielle is an incredible competitor who brings a contagious energy to everything she does," said Ebeling. "She's a versatile swimmer who will contribute in several key events for us right away. More importantly, she's a wonderful teammate and leader who embodies what it means to be a Bear."
Stevens chose Northern Colorado because, as she described, "the campus and community truly stood out to me. Everyone was so supportive and welcoming, and on my visit, I already felt like part of a family. Coach Lisa and Coach Chad made me believe I am capable of anything."
Lara Oggionni
Breaststroke | Milan, Italy | Caravaggio High School
Hailing from Pessano con Bornago, just outside Milan, Italy, Lara Oggionni brings international experience to the Bears roster. A breaststroke specialist, Oggionni has made several appearances in Italy's national youth championships, establishing herself as one of the country's top young talents in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events.
Oggionni trains with a competitive club in northern Italy and is known for her technical precision and consistency under pressure. The daughter of Carlo Ambrogio Oggionni and Jana Lupinc, she plans to pursue her studies at UNC while continuing to compete at a high level in the MPSF.
"Lara is a tremendous addition to our program and brings valuable international experience," said Ebeling. "Her passion for improvement and her drive to reach her full potential are exactly what we look for in our athletes. She will be a strong contributor for us in the breaststroke events."
Oggionni chose Northern Colorado for its blend of academic and athletic excellence, saying she was drawn to the university for "its numerous study opportunities, high-level team full of athletes who share the same passion, and its proximity to Denver."
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the women's swim and dive team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSwim), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSwim_Dive), and Facebook (/UNCOBearsswimdive).
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