2026-27 NSIC Women's Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches' Poll

9/24/2026 1:00:00 PM

Minnesota State tops NSIC Swimming & Diving Coaches' Poll

Graphic announcing the 2026-27 NSIC Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches’ Poll on a blue background with light effects and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) logo alongside the Minnesota State Mavericks logo. The poll ranks Minnesota State first with 81 points and nine first-place votes, followed by St. Cloud State with 67 points and one first-place vote. The remaining top 10 are Augustana (66), Sioux Falls (52), University of Mary (47), Concordia-St. Paul (42), MSU Moorhead (34), Southwest Minnesota State (26), Northern State (14), and Jamestown (12). The graphic includes the hashtag #NSICSD and an NCAA Division II “Make It Yours” logo in the lower-right corner.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato sits atop the NSIC Swimming & Diving Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Mavericks amassed 81 points and nine first place votes to finish 14 points ahead of St. Cloud State, which had 67 points and the other first place vote.  Augustana was third with 66 points while Sioux Falls (52)  and the University of Mary (47) round out the top five. 

Minnesota State's Savannah Acker was named the NSIC Preseason Swimmer of the Year while Augustana's Avery Lommel was named the NSIC Preseason Diver of the Year for the third straight season.  

NSIC coaches rank each team from 1 to 9 with a first-place vote receiving 9 points, second place 8, third place 7, etc. Coaches do not rank their own team or vote for their own student-athletes in the preseason poll.

The NSIC sponsored women’s swimming and diving during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years with the aid of affiliated members. In 2016-17 season, NSIC Swimming and Diving returned as a seven team all NSIC sport. In 2019-20 the NSIC moved to eight participating members with the addition of Southwest Minnesota State then a nine-team league with the addition of Concordia-St. Paul in 2020-21 and now is a 10 team conference as the University of Jamestown joined for the 2025-26 academic year.  

The NSIC Swimming and Diving season will get underway on Thursday, September 24 with the regular season culminating at the NSIC Swimming & Diving Championship on February 10-13, 2026 at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo, North Dakota.

Graphic recognizing the NSIC Preseason Swimmer of the Year on a blue conference-themed background with gold accents. The image includes the Minnesota State Mavericks logo, the NSIC logo, the hashtag #NSICSD, and an NCAA Division II “Make It Yours” logo. A headshot appears on the left, while an action photo on the right shows Savannah Acker competing in a butterfly race, creating splashes across the pool surface while wearing goggles and a swim cap. Large gold script text reads “Preseason” and “Swimmer of the Year,” with Savannah Acker identified by name across the competition photo.
Savannah Acker (BK/IM, Jr., Lodi, Wis. / Sauk Prairie HS) - Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Won four events at the NSIC Championships including the 200 IM (2:04.24), the 400 IM (4:25.57), the 100 backstroke (55.48) and the 200 backstroke (2:02.01)
  • Was a member of the 200 freestyle relay (1:33.34) and the 400 medley relay (3:46.77) that finished first at the NSIC Championships
  • Named the Swimmer of the Meet at the NSIC Championships
  • Earned an All-American honorable mention in the 100 backstroke at the NCAA Championships
  • Also competed in the 200 IM, 200 backstroke and the 400 IM at the NCAA Championships
Savannah is coming off an outstanding sophomore year where she was a 4-time NSIC champ in 200IM, 400IM, 100 Back, and 200 Back. She also qualified for the NCAA Championships and was All-American honorable mention in the 100 Backstroke finishing 10th. She's come back from summer break ready to have another great season!
Head Coach Nathan Owens
Graphic recognizing the NSIC Preseason Diver of the Year on a blue conference-themed background with gold accents. The image features the Augustana Vikings logo, the NSIC logo, the hashtag #NSICSD, and an NCAA Division II “Make It Yours” logo. A headshot appears on the left, while an action photo on the right shows Avery Lommel standing on a diving platform in competition attire with an American flag visible in the background. Large gold script text reads “Preseason” and “Diver of the Year,” with Avery Lommel identified by name across the action photo.
Avery Lommel (Diver, Sr., Delano, Minn. / Delano HS) - Augustana University
  • Three-time NSIC Preseason Diver of the Year
  • First-Team Scholar All-American (2025)
  • Two time NCAA Qualifier (2024, 2025)
  • Three time NCAA All-American: 1M Dive (2025-9th), 1M Dive (2024-10th), 3M Dive (2024-4th)
  • Northern Sun Intercollegiate Champion (2025: 1M Dive)
  • Northern Sun Intercollegiate Champion (2024: 1M Dive, 3M Dive)
  • 2024 NSIC Diver of the Year
  • School Record Holder 1M Dive 6 Dives (372.30) / 1M Dive 11 Dives (424.75) / 3M Dive 6 Dives (409.90) / 3M Dive 11 Dives (454.75)
Avery is coming off an incredible junior season where she was a two time All-American finishing fifth place on both the one and 3 m board. She is going to have a banner senior season. Seeing what she accomplished last year at the NCAA championships is only scratching the surface of what she’s capable of in her final season. Big things are ahead as she leads our dive squad!
Head Coach Andrew Makepeace

COACHES' QUOTES & ATHLETES TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY 

We are coming off a season where we turned over half our team over in 2025-2026. This year, we return a very good young core and add to that with an incoming class eager to perform at a high level. There is a lot of excitement for this season to build off where we ended last year. Last season came with challenges and our team had an opportunity to learn and grow, and I think over the course of the summer and early part of the fall we’ve gotten a real feel to see just that. Our men bring much of that same excitement to practices, which helps create an exceptional practice and learning environment! Everyone knows what the NSIC has in store for competition, so we are thoroughly prepared for that and enjoy the challenge that is yet to come. Our vibes have been great to start the year and we look forward to continuing that building momentum towards championship portions of the season! Skol!
Head Coach Andrew Makepeace
Ágnes is entering her first year at Augustana and we are very excited to have her join the Viking squad. She will make an impact across a variety of events throughout the duration of our season, but Breaststroke . Since she’s been on campus, Ágnes has been a pleasure to work with and her excitement and enthusiasm is pretty contagious for the rest of our squad. We are looking to build off of our finish last year and really make an impact and she’s gonna be one of the people spearheading that.
Head Coach Andrew Makepeace
Avery is coming off an incredible junior season where she was a two time All-American finishing fifth place on both the one and 3 m board. She is going to have a banner senior season. Seeing what she accomplished last year at the NCAA championships is only scratching the surface of what she’s capable of in her final season. Big things are ahead as she leads our dive squad!
Head Coach Andrew Makepeace

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL 

The 26-27 season is off to a tremendous start with a lot of enthusiasm, focus, and attention to detail. We welcome 7 newcomers who have already been a positive addition to our team culture and will make a strong impact on our meet lineups. Our team is led by an outstanding and invested group of juniors and seniors, with Marianna Perna and Sierra Sherry serving as captains. We look forward to racing and diving against our fellow NSIC teams and growing as people and athletes along the way.
Head Coach Rachel Busch
Alejandra Lira enters her first season at CSP, after representing her club at the state and national levels. Most notably, she finished in the top-3 over the past two years at the Mexican National Championships in the 400 IM, 200 Free, and 400 Free. She is looking to be a strong contender in the NSIC in those three events, as well as the 200 Fly. She also competed at the Olimpiada Nacional CONADE in 2026.
Head Coach Rachel Busch
Chloe has been incredibly consistent over the last three years, getting close to last year's NCAA qualifier by attaining the qualifying score in 11 dives. She is incredibly headstrong and determined, with the work ethic to take it all the way. Chloe recorded 17 top-10 finishes, including a first place finish in 3M diving at the WildBear Invite, and finished 9th at NSICs on both boards.
Head Coach Rachel Busch

UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN

What excites me most about this year’s team is the amount of potential we have. We have a great mix of experienced athletes and new faces, and I’m really excited to see how they push each other and grow together throughout the season. More than anything, I’m excited about the culture we are building and watching this group become a team that truly believes in each other and competes for one another.
Head Coach Sulinke Van Den Berg
Dagga is one of our top sprinters and a swimmer I’m really excited to watch this season, especially in the 50-meter freestyle. She brings a lot of speed and competitiveness to our team, and I believe she has the potential to make a big impact this season. I’m excited to see what she can accomplish as she continues to push herself and compete at a high level.
Head Coach Sulinke Van Den Berg
Anna Carrick is someone I’m really excited to watch this season as she continues to develop in 1-meter diving. She has put in the work during the preseason, and her consistency, competitiveness, and willingness to learn make her a strong preseason player to watch. I’m excited to see how she continues to grow and contribute to our team throughout the season.
Head Coach Sulinke Van Den Berg

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

Looking broadly at our whole roster and the upcoming season I am very excited to see how our scholar athletes handle new challenges as we continue to push them to grow in virtue both in and out of the water, my staff: Carly Borrman and Alex Lucy have been working hard this summer to prep for our athletes return, and we are hyped to have our team back! Having 7 new freshmen in the water we have new excitement and energy to continue to push our team. With big goals to focus on we are excited to be back in the water working hard. Go Marauders!
Head coach Abby Loel
Maria is a 4th year scholar athlete here at UMary studying Mechanical Engineering. This past season Maria was part of 4 new team record relays including the 200 free, 200 medley, 400 free, and 400 medley. At the NSIC conference champs 2026 she placed top 5 in all 3 of her individual events, scoring 46 points. Throughout last season she also obtained an NCAA b cut in the 50-freestyle clocking a 23.41. This season she is serving as a team captain and has already brought a lot of energy to the pool deck. She is in a great spot at the beginning of this season, and we cannot wait to see what is in store for her!
Head coach Abby Loel

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO 

We're excited to have so many accomplished and talented returning athletes and it's always fun to add a new group of freshman to the mix. We should have a competitive roster in a broad range of events this year. It will be exciting to start competition and racing later this fall.
Head Coach Nathan Owens
Savannah is coming off an outstanding sophomore year where she was a 4-time NSIC champ in 200IM, 400IM, 100 Back, and 200 Back. She also qualified for the NCAA Championships and was All-American honorable mention in the 100 Backstroke finishing 10th. She's come back from summer break ready to have another great season!
Head Coach Nathan Owens
Nat has had an amazing career thus far. She's coming off of a record setting season and qualified for the NCAA championships for the 3rd time. Nat was named All-American honorable mentioned finishing 10th overall on the 1-meter board. She's motivated to have a great season year.
Head Coach Nathan Owens

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

What excites us most about this year's team are the people. We have a large incoming class led by great leaders. Everyone has been connecting and working hard. Practices have been fun to be around and the energy has been the best. We look forward to seeing some added depth this year.
Head Coach Charlie King
Fernanda is a fantastic all around swimmer. Each year she gets stronger and more consistent. With her added confidence, we look forward to her placing high in the fly, and IM events.
Head Coach Charlie King
Kenna has been working extremely hard and pushing beyond her abilities. We look forward to her stepping up and contributing to our team.
Head Coach Charlie King

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

We are excited to have the largest team in recent Northern State history. We were able to return 12 student athletes and add an additional 4 to the team for this upcoming season. The experience of the returners coupled with the incoming athletes ability to be top performers for us, gives us a lot to be excited about for the upcoming year.
Head Coach Tim Teeter
Peyton brings to Northern a lot of potential in the 100 and 200 free. We are looking for her to challenge to be a multi event finalist and the anchor of all our free relays.
Head Coach Tim Teeter
Jacie looks to challenge to be a top 5 performer on the 1 meter board this year at the conference meet. Additionally, I feel that with the work Jacie has put in during the off season, she has the potential to be an NCAA qualifier.
Head Coach Tim Teeter

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

We are young, but we are returning many of our scorers from the 2025-2026 season. We have the versatility, work ethic, and competitive mindset to make an impact at the NSIC and NCAA levels this season.
Head Coach Rickey Perkins
Alessia's versatility, work ethic, and competitive mindset give her the potential to make an impact in multiple events for the Cougars this season. As she continues to build confidence and consistency, Alessia has the opportunity to take another significant step forward this season by not only repeating as the NSIC champion in the 1000, 500, and 1650 free events, and representing USF and the NSIC at NCAA championships. Keep an eye on her as she looks to turn her preparation into breakthrough performances again this season.
Head Coach Rickey Perkins

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Our team is a very cohesive group; buying into the belief of improving a little bit every single day. Our first-year athletes have connected extremely well with one another, and returners have done a terrific job with setting the tone during these first couple weeks of the season. We will continue to focus on progress as we look toward our competition season and preparing for the NSIC Championship meet.
Head Coach Marty Wahle
Lexi made a significant step forward last year, placing high in several events at the NSIC Championship meet, and achieved NCAA B qualifying times in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Lexi continues to improve every day, and we are excited to see how she does in her last couple years as a Mustang.
Head Coach Marty Wahle
Ella has a high diving IQ and brings a lot of experience into her first year with our program. She is excited to continue improving on both 1 and 3m boards and is eager to start competing against other divers and teams in the NSIC.
Head Coach Marty Wahle

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

We are very excited about the strong group of upperclassmen leaders we have returning this year. In and out of the pool, our upperclassmen show what it means to be a Husky. They work hard, are involved across campus, and have helped our team improve year over year. We also have a talented group of incoming first years and transfers that will be able to contribute to the team's success right away.
Head Coach Jeff Hegle
Kate returns as the highest scoring individual from the 2026 NSIC Conference Team. Kate took a big step forward in her swimming and leadership role on the team last year. She is a very versatile swimmer that can contribute to the team's success in many different events. We are excited to see her continue to lead the team in the 2026-2027 season.
Head Coach Jeff Hegle
Abriella Werner returns as a consistent leader on the 1M and 3M events. As a two time NCAA qualifier Abriella knows what it takes to compete at the highest level in NCAA DII. Abriella is extremely hard working and dedicated to improving her craft. We are excited to see what Abriella accomplishes this year!
Head Coach Jeff Hegle
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