by McKenna Hultgren
In their 20th season, the women’s swim team and first-year men’s team at the University of Minnesota, Morris, are gearing up for another exciting year. Coach David Molesworth has been with the women’s team since the beginning and is eager for the first year of men’s swimming at Morris. The Cougars will also have their first ever full time assistant coach, with Annie Corbett joining the staff for the 2023-2024 season. With Molesworth having a total of 24 years of coaching experience, he has brought dedication and leadership to this program to help the team achieve numerous highlights over the years.
The men’s team this year will primarily consist of students who have been part of Morris and will greatly help in establishing the program. One notable individual is Max Lundgren, who served as the manager for the women’s team last year. Additionally, Louis Freeman played a crucial role in spreading the word among Morris students who may be interested in joining the team.
In their search for student athletes, the program is seeking young men who are eager for the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. They value individuals who are willing to put in the hard work necessary to improve their skills while also being excellent teammates who contribute positively to the team dynamic. The Morris swim program emphasizes the importance of enjoying the experience of being a student athlete while creating an environment where athletes can have a great time while pursuing their passion for their sport in a supportive community.
The women’s side of the University of Minnesota, Morris swim team has had notable achievements, including their second-place finish at the Liberal Arts Championship two years ago. This conference showcased the team’s talent and determination. Additionally, the team has consistently finished in the top five for the past four years. With the upcoming season, the team is eager to continue their success by adding people to their team list of NCAA B-cuts and sending more divers to the NCAA Regional Diving Meet.
The team said farewell to two seniors. Besides missing those seniors, Coach Molesworth believes that the team will shine this season. With no senior swimmers on the roster for the 2023–24 season, their focus will be on team growth and the development of younger swimmers without the concern of losing seniors to graduation.
Looking at the returning swimmers, there is a lot of excitement surrounding their potential impact. The Gerdes twins, Lexi and Madi, have already shown great promise and are expected to achieve significant milestones. Lexi Gerdes has already claimed one school record and has her sights set on breaking another, while Madi Gerdes is eager to have a breakout season and secure her place on the record board. Shannon Dougherty and Lilly Radintz will provide strong leadership for the sprinters, while Abby Doyle’s versatility will make her a valuable asset in any event. Morgan Ball has consistently performed well in multiple events, and Natalie West had an impressive first year, setting the stage for a remarkable sophomore season. With an incoming class of nine talented athletes, the University of Minnesota at Morris has a diverse mix of swimmers specializing in strokes and freestyle at all distances.
When it comes to recruiting student athletes, coaches at the University of Minnesota prioritize certain qualities that align with their team’s values. “Since it’s a smaller team compared to others, they look for athletes who not only want to excel in the pool but also want to have fun in a close-knit team environment.” Ultimately, Coach Molesworth is looking for individuals who can contribute positively both as athletes and as teammates.
The culture of our swim program can be described as “welcoming and tight-knit.” The swimming program prioritizes creating an environment where everyone feels included and supported. “We like to have a good time, but we also understand the importance of putting in the hard work required to improve both individually and as a team.” It’s this balance of camaraderie and dedication that sets the University of Minnesota-Morris swim program apart from others.
One unique aspect of the University of Minnesota and Morris College is that we are the only public Division 3 school in the state of Minnesota. The school’s location in a small rural community also sets us apart from many other Division 3 schools that are located in larger communities. “This actually works to our advantage, as it allows us to have a closer team bond and do more activities together.” The small-town feel adds an extra layer of support and unity within the swim team program at the University of Minnesota, Morris, making it such an amazing college to be at.