MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead swim & dive is slated to begin the 2024-25 season this Saturday as the Dragons travel to Bismarck, N.D., for a dual with the University of Mary. Competition begins at noon from the BSC Aquatic Center. 

MSUM was selected ninth in the NSIC preseason coaches' poll, garnering 13 points. Augustana topped the initial rankings with 62 points and six first-place votes while Minnesota State came in behind the Vikings with 59 points and the remaining three first-place votes. 

"As we enter the 2024-25 season, we are fortunate to have great upperclassmen leaders that have solidified fantastic team culture. Our strong sophomore and first-year classes are bringing the energy every day and providing talent and versatility that will move the team forward," said MSUM head swimming & diving coach Charlie King, who embarks on his seventh season in 2024-25. "The coaches have really enjoyed watching the team connect and come together. We have been impressed with the effort given and team cohesion built, and look forward to seeing them compete."

In the initial preseason rankings, junior dive Isabelle Johnson and freshman Fernanda Leon were tabbed as MSUM's 'athletes to watch' for the upcoming season. Leon begins her collegiate career in 2024-25 after an exceptional prep career. The Lima, Peru, native holds personal best time of 2:17.47 in the 200-yard fly, 1:04:45 in the 100-yard fly, 2:21.33 in the 200-yard IM and 4:54.61 in the 400-yard IM. Leon also set five Peruvian junior national records across various relays before MSUM. 

"We are excited to have Fernanda join the Dragons. Hailing from Lima, Peru, she's a strong versatile swimmer that will immediately impact our team. She specializes in the IM and Fly events, and will be able to contribute on relays as well," said King. "Fernanda has an unyielding commitment to excellence and shows it every day she practices."

Johnson earns the 'diver to watch' distinction after another solid season on the board for MSUM. She competed in nine meets for the Dragons during the season and registered personal-bests in both 3-Meter and 1-Meter at the St. Cloud State Diving Invite. Johnson collected a 390.15 score in 11 dives in 3-Meter at the meet and a 347 in 1-Meter. In six-dive action, Johnson had top scores of 305.60 in 1-Meter and 338.85 in 3-Meter during the year. 

"Isabelle is one of the hardest working athletes we have ever had the privilege to coach. She exemplifies the work ethic of a champion that will greatly benefit her diving career," King noted. "She has been purposeful in building her degree of difficulty and we are very excited for her to compete this season!"

The Dragons are also strong in several classes, beginning with their seniors. Linnea Edgren, Demi-Lee Carlisle and Lily Lengerich all embark on their final campaigns as Dragons in 2024-25. MSUM's junior class consists of Johnson, freestyler Taylor Cook and backstroke aficionado Lacie Stark. A massive sophomore class also shows incredible promise, headlined by Sophia Verke, Kelsey Jackson, Ruth Pavelski, Maggie Moore and Cami Mayo. All five set MSUM top ten times as true freshman in 2023-24 with Verke marking an NCAA B-Standard time in the 100-yard freestyle. MSUM features four true freshman in Leon, Haley Stainbrook, Rose Urick and diver Berit Gustafson. 

Meet Schedule
1-meter diving
200-Yard Medley Relay
1000-Yard Freestyle
200-Yard Freestyle
50-Yard Freestyle
200-Yard IM
3-meter diving
100-Yard Fly
100-Yard Freestyle
100-Yard Backstroke
500-Yard Freestyle
100-Yard Breaststroke
400-Yard Freestyle Relay