VERMILLION, S.D. -- Three individuals have recently signed letters of intent to enroll at The University of South Dakota and participate in the Coyote swimming and diving program beginning with the 2002-03 season, according to an announcement today by Coyote head swimming and diving coach Ron Allen.

Abby Heinz of Sergeant Bluffs, Iowa, and Adrian Smith of Plano, Texas have signed national letters of intent while Brae Olson of Hutchinson, Minn., has signed a conference letter of intent to enroll at USD.

"We are very pleased that these student athletes will participate in our swimming and diving program," said Allen. "Abby, Adrian and Brae are very talented swimmers and will add strength to our team in a variety of areas," said Allen.

Heinz, a top-level high school swimmer in Iowa, finished in the top three in both the 200 IM and 100 butterfly. "She will bring top level talent in many events. Abby is versatile enough to help the Coyotes in several areas, and may fill the role of 'utility swimmer', " said Allen.

A member of the Virgin Island National Swim Team from 1996-2000, Smith attended the CARIFTA, CCCAN, and CICS, which are Caribbean championship, swim meets with qualifying times. At those meets, he won a gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly, a silver medal in the 1500 freestyle and a bonze medal in the 100 butterfly. He qualified and made the finals in eight events for the CARIFTA. He also broke the Jamaican age group record for 1500-meter freestyle at the CARIFTA meet. After moving to Texas about two years ago, Smith was one of the top 500 freestyle swimmers in that state. He was a high school district and regional champion in the 500-yard freestyle and selected all state in that event. He finished in the top 10 in Texas in the 500 freestyle event. As a junior, he was all state second team in the 500-yard free style and 400-yard freestyle relay. "His times will place him very well in several events in this conference," said Allen, who is in his 11th year as head coach of South Dakota.

Olson, a transfer from U of Cincinnati, was a top swimmer in the state of Minnesota in the various butterfly events as well as IM. "She is an outstanding athlete who will add instant talent and is also a great student, said Allen.