BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls Swim team has been picked fifth in the 2025-26 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced earlier today. The Cougars earned 44 points in the voting after finishing fourth at last season's NSIC Championship.

Minnesota State claimed the top spot in the poll with 77 points and six first-place votes, edging Augustana (74 points, three first-place votes) by three points. St. Cloud State (68 points) was tabbed third and collected the final first-place nod, while Concordia-St. Paul (51 points) and USF (44 points) rounded out the top five.

St. Cloud State's Hallie Drossel was named the NSIC Preseason Swimmer of the Year, while Augustana's Avery Lommel repeated as the NSIC Preseason Diver of the Year.

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Moro Named Preseason Athlete to Watch

For Sioux Falls, junior Alessia Moro has been named the team's Athlete to Watch for the upcoming season. Head Coach Rickey Perkins praised Moro's growth and consistency in the pool.

"Alessia's technique and endurance are excellent, and her confidence has grown tremendously over the past year," said Perkins. "I believe she will continue to excel, especially in the longer events."

Perkins also highlighted the team's overall culture as a strength heading into the season.
"I am truly excited about this team because of the closeness we share," Perkins said. "Each person believes in the potential of their teammates, and the effort, energy, and positivity have been absolutely contagious. That spirit is what makes us stronger together."

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NSIC Swimming & Diving Outlook

The NSIC first sponsored women's swimming and diving in 2012-14, returning as a full-time sport in 2016-17. With the addition of Jamestown this year, the league now features 10 programs.

The 2025-26 NSIC Swimming & Diving season begins on Friday, September 26, with the championship set for February 11-14, 2026, at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo, North Dakota.

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