LAS CRUCES, N.M.-New Mexico State distance swimmer sophomore Liz Thomson was named the WAC Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Week, the conference office announced Monday, Feb. 4. This is Thomson’s first career honor.
Thomson led the Aggies to a pair of wins over in-state New Mexico and league foe Northern Arizona last week. She swept the distance freestyle events taking top honors in the 500-yard freestyle (5:12.69) and the 1,000-yard freestyle (10:38.29) to guide the Aggies to their first victory over the Lobos in more than 25 years.
In the final meet before the WAC Championships, she won the 500-yard freestyle (5:16.28) and the 1,650-yard freestyle (17:47.69) against Northern Arizona. The Mesilla Park, N.M., native also swam the first leg of the winning 800-free relay.
Head coach Rick Pratt said Thomson’s return has not only provided the Aggies with scoring opportunities but also energy and motivation.
“I think Liz has really bounced back for her injury in the fall,” he said. “She had two tough meets back-to-back and swam in all the distance events. She gave tremendous effort and left everything in the pool. It’s been huge to have her back in the line-up.”
The Aggies are currently preparing for the WAC Championships, Feb. 20-23, in San Antonio, Texas.
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
