MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Minnesota State Moorhead swimming & diving is primed for a season-opening road dual with the University of Jamestown on Saturday. The Dragons and Jimmies are set to battle at 5 p.m. from the Jamestown High School pool.

Live video will be available at msumdragons.com. The Dragons were selected to finish sixth in the NSIC preseason coaches' poll with sophomore Fernanda Leon and junior Zoe Bjerke named MSUM's 'Athletes to Watch'. MSUM earned the sixth position behind 39 total points. Minnesota State topped the poll with 77 points and six first-place votes. Augustana and St. Cloud State earned the remaining first-place votes. Moorhead placed sixth at last season's NSIC Swimming & Diving Championships. 

"The staff is energized by our team's chemistry and culture. We look forward to the year of work ahead and exiting barriers to be tested and broken," said MSUM head swimming & diving coach Charlie King, who enters his eighth season at the helm in 2025-26. "Early on, our spirits and practices have been filled with great effort and confidence. We're ready for another great year."

Leon earns the preseason 'athlete to watch' honor after a sensational freshman campaign which saw her earn All-NSIC distinction in the 400-yard IM. Leon marked a 4:31.03 finishing time in the race, the second-fastest time in program history. The Lima, Peru, native narrowly missed All-NSIC distinction in the 200-yard butterfly behind a time of 2:06.97. She would also finish fifth in the 200-yard IM with a personal best time of 2:07.49, now the second-fastest time in school history. Overall, Leon ad 14 event wins during the season as well as two other runner-up showings. Leon was named NSIC Swimmer of the Week on October 22, 2024.

"We are excited for Fernanda and how she contributes to the competitiveness of our team. Last year she was All-NSIC, and NSIC Swimmer of the Week, and posted numerous top 10 all-time team records," said King of the sophomore. "Watching Fernanda is electrifying. She is such an intense competitor that brings her best every time."

Bjerke saw immaculate growth in her diving ability throughout her sophomore season in 2024-25. She competed in nine meets in both 1-meter and 3-meter diving, turning in 13th (1-meter) and 14th (3-meter) place finishes at the NSIC Swimming & Diving Championships. Bjerke set a new personal best score in 1-meter (6 dives) against SMSU on November 2, securing a score of 230.5. She would also register a new 3-meter best (11 dives) at the Dragon Invite, scoring a 370.45.

"Zoe has progressed at an astonishing rate. With her intense determination and grit, she pushes her limits daily," said King. "Even on the most challenging days, her energy is bright and contagious. Zoe has committed herself to constant improvement, and will be an exciting diver to watch."

Leon and Bjerke help make up a roster that includes 13 returners, including a senior class of Lacie Stark and Isabelle Johnson. The junior class is bolstered by strong swimmers in Sophia Verke, Ruth Pavelski, Cami Mayo, Kelsey Jackson and Maggie Moore, all of which are in the top-10 all-time in various events. Fellow juniors Joanna Phillips and Ruth Guy are also poised to take on a larger scoring role for the Dragons. 

Leon leads the sophomore group along with Rose Urick, Haley Stainbrook and Tresa Baumgard. Urick set a pair of top ten times last season in two breaststroke events as a freshman while Baumgard makes the jump to swimming after spending the 2024-25 athletic year as a member of Moorhead's women's basketball team. The Dragons will also welcome six true freshman to the roster this season. 

Scouting The Opposition

Jamestown
2024 Dual Record: 2-3
Conference Finish: 4th
Head Coach: Ben Smith (4th Season)
Nickname: Jimmies
Top Returner: Kylie Price (So., 4th Place in 50-yard freestyle at 2024-25 KCAC Championships)