SCSU Women’s Swim & Dive Selected Second in NSIC Preseason Poll
9/25/2026 1:54:00 PM | Women's Swim & Dive
Turner and Werner named 2026-27 Athletes to Watch
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – St. Cloud State Women's Swim & Dive was selected to finish second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced on Thursday. Additionally, senior Kate Turner (Greendale, Wis.) and junior Abriella Werner (Soldotna, Alaska) were selected as the 2026-27 Athletes to Watch.
The Huskies received 67 points and one first-place vote in the poll, finishing behind preseason favorite Minnesota State (81 points, nine first-place votes). Selected to finish third was Augustana (66), followed by Sioux Falls (52), UMary (47), Concordia-St. Paul (42), MSU Moorhead (34), Southwest Minnesota State (26), Northern State (14) and Jamestown (12).
"We are very excited about the strong group of upperclassmen leaders we have returning this year," said head coach Jeff Hegle. "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."
Turner is set for her senior campaign after a pair of top-five finishes at the 2026 NSIC Championships. She finished fourth in the 400 IM and fifth in the 500 freestyle, posting personal bests in both events. Turner also posted first-place finishes in four regular season meets over last season.
"Kate Turner returns as the highest scoring individual from the 2026 NSIC Conference Team," said Hegle. "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."
Werner returned to the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive season last year, finishing 17th in the 3M dive and 22nd in the 1M dive. At the NSIC meet, she finished fourth in the 1M dive and sixth in the 3M dive. Her prelim score of 407.10 in the 3M dive at the NSIC Championships was a person best.
"Abriella Werner returns as a consistent leader on the 1M and 3M events," said Hegle. "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!"
SCSU will host its annual Intrasquad Meet (Sept. 24-25) before officially opening the season against Northern Michigan at home on Oct. 2-3.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Swim & Dive, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Huskies received 67 points and one first-place vote in the poll, finishing behind preseason favorite Minnesota State (81 points, nine first-place votes). Selected to finish third was Augustana (66), followed by Sioux Falls (52), UMary (47), Concordia-St. Paul (42), MSU Moorhead (34), Southwest Minnesota State (26), Northern State (14) and Jamestown (12).
"We are very excited about the strong group of upperclassmen leaders we have returning this year," said head coach Jeff Hegle. "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."
Turner is set for her senior campaign after a pair of top-five finishes at the 2026 NSIC Championships. She finished fourth in the 400 IM and fifth in the 500 freestyle, posting personal bests in both events. Turner also posted first-place finishes in four regular season meets over last season.
"Kate Turner returns as the highest scoring individual from the 2026 NSIC Conference Team," said Hegle. "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."
Werner returned to the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive season last year, finishing 17th in the 3M dive and 22nd in the 1M dive. At the NSIC meet, she finished fourth in the 1M dive and sixth in the 3M dive. Her prelim score of 407.10 in the 3M dive at the NSIC Championships was a person best.
"Abriella Werner returns as a consistent leader on the 1M and 3M events," said Hegle. "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!"
SCSU will host its annual Intrasquad Meet (Sept. 24-25) before officially opening the season against Northern Michigan at home on Oct. 2-3.
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Swim & Dive, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Swim & Dive
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/ Women's Swim & DiveTuesday, November 18
Saturday, November 15
Wednesday, November 27
Wednesday, December 13
