Sister act brings versatility to SMU

Last year’s NCAA 9th-ranked SMU women’s swim team may continue its winning ways with the addition of a new face.

The new sprinter is a strong sleek freshman freestyler from Ontario, Canada. Laura Pomeroy, at 5-8 and 132 pounds, is a current Canadian record holder in the 50m freestyle, which she can sprint in 25:85 seconds. Last year’s NCAA champion won with a time of 21:69. She’s proven to be threatening in the 100m freestyle. She may also be swimming along side U.S. National Champion Lotta Wanberg in the 200-yard freestyle this season. Pomeroy will also join her sister, Julia, senior breast stroker and NCAA All-American.

“Laura will definitely be one of our top swimmers.” SMU women’s swimming head coach Steve Collins said.

The younger Pomeroy came to SMU because she thought it ” was the perfect combination of a great swim team and competitive academics.” She also said her sister’s influence was a factor as well.

Laura’s roommate Martina Hrdinova, freshman butterflier, said, “Laura is very helpful to the Mustangs. She is a motivating teammate.”

While teammates agree Julia’s fierce competitive style brings momentum to the Lady Mustang medley relays, Laura is more relaxed.

Julia said “she has a quiet confidence before meets.” Her facial expression conceals to her competitors in the next lane that they are swimming a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.

“Laura is very dedicated in and out of the water,” Julia said. “She’s focused and she keeps people calm in times of pressure. She’s hilarious to be around,”

No competition exists between these two Canadian swimming stars.

“It helps I don’t swim breaststroke,” Laura laughed. “But when [Julia’s] having a good workout, it pumps me up and I swim better.”

“I feel nothing but happy for Laura when she does well,” Julia said. “I was ecstatic when she broke the Canadian record. We get along great.”

Outside the water, Laura may have some rivalry from her sister in the academic arena. Julia happens to be a presidential scholar.

“Well, her academics are strong too,” Julia said.

In addition to her sister, Laura will lead the team with other Mustang veterans Alenka Kejar and Flavia Rigamonte— both 2000 Olympians and 2002 European Championships medalists.