BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has announced the preseason coaches' poll and athletes to watch for women's swimming & diving. Minnesota State Moorhead was selected sixth in the initial poll while Fernanda Leon and Zoe Bjerke were tabbed as the Dragon '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."

The Dragons are scheduled to begin the 2025-26 season in dual action against the University of Jamestown. Action from Jamestown, N.D., is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 11. MSUM's first home dual will be Saturday, October 18 in a 2 p.m. meeting with Northern State.