2024 – 2025 College Preview: Minnesota State Mankato

For over two decades, Nate Owens has been at the helm of Minnesota State, Mankato’s swimming and diving program, building a legacy rooted in teamwork, talent, and tradition. Reflecting on his 21-year career, Owens is amazed at how quickly time has passed while acknowledging the incredible journey he’s been on. “I’ve been very lucky to work with some truly amazing people while I’ve been here,” Owens shares. From coaching exceptional athletes to forging relationships with fun and dedicated alumni, his tenure has been filled with highlights. One particularly special aspect? The winter training trips that have taken the team to places like California, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. “The team always has a great time,” Owens adds.

Owens has mentored numerous standout athletes, and this season will see the departure of several key seniors. Among them is Abby Gronholz, the National runner-up in the 100 backstroke at last year’s Division II National Championships, and diver Aspen Warnygora, an All-American talent. Their graduation marks the end of an era but also provides motivation for the rest of the team to continue the program’s legacy of excellence.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Owens is excited about the return of top athletes, including Gronholz and Warnygora, who are primed for one more year of competition. 5th-year senior sprinters Elise Mishmash and Olivia Hudoba also headline a group of determined seniors looking to finish their careers on a high note. “Our seniors are all motivated for their last season,” Owens says, underscoring the drive and focus the veteran swimmers are bringing to the pool.

The program’s future looks bright with the arrival of a highly ranked freshman class. The 13 new swimmers, ranked as the third-best recruiting class in Division II, bring considerable talent to the team. “We have some women who should be National qualifiers and help get our relays to the next level,” Owens notes, indicating that these freshmen will play a key role in boosting team performance across multiple events.

When it comes to building a winning team, Owens emphasizes the importance of character and academic dedication. “We like women who are good students and quality people away from the pool,” he explains. With a team GPA above 3.5, academic excellence is a fundamental pillar of the program. Owens also seeks athletes who are versatile in their events and show room for growth over their collegiate careers. “I love working with motivated women who feel like they haven’t hit their peak yet,” he adds, speaking to his commitment to helping athletes develop both in and out of the water.

The culture Owens has fostered at Minnesota State, Mankato is one of balance—hard work combined with a strong sense of camaraderie. “We have a hard-working team that has a lot of fun around one another,” he says, describing a healthy environment where athletes push each other in practice while maintaining mutual respect. This combination of competition and teamwork fuels the program’s success.

Owens also takes pride in the way the program’s training regimen has evolved over the years. By striking the right balance between workload, intensity, and recovery, he ensures that the team is both physically prepared and mentally sharp. “Each week has a similar cadence, which is nice for the athletes,” Owens explains, describing how this balanced approach has become a cornerstone of the program’s long-term success.

As Minnesota State, Mankato gears up for another promising season, Owens is proud of what the program has achieved and excited for the future. With a modern campus, a supportive community, and a tradition of producing top-tier student-athletes, the swimming and diving program is built on a foundation of excellence. “I’m very proud of the teams that I’ve been a part of here,” Owens says, grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented group of athletes.

With experienced leadership and a talented roster, the Mavericks are poised to continue making waves in the pool, blending past successes with future potential to maintain their place among Division II’s elite programs.

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