BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Southwest Minnesota State University women's outdoor track & field team was selected to place 15th in the annual NSIC preseason coaches' poll released on Thursday.
 
"We have a youth movement on our team with a large contingent of freshmen and sophomores leading the way," said SMSU seventh-year head coach, Kirk Nauman. "They are excited to get outside and see what they can do."
 
SMSU sophomore Michelle Marquard (sprints) and redshirt freshman Seely Stockmoe (throws) were both named an 'Athlete to Watch' this season.
 
"Michelle had a great indoor season with school records in the 60 M and the pole vault," Nauman said. "She will be a looking for more of the same as we head to the outdoor season in the sprints, vault and relays."
 
"A healthy Seely came on strong during the indoor season to score in the weight throw at the NSIC Indoor Championships," Nauman said. "With the opportunity of four throwing events outdoors, she is looking forward to excelling in them during the spring season."
 
SMSU, which finished 13^th at the 2025 NSIC Outdoor Championships, begins the outdoor season on March 28 at the CSB / SJU Optimistic Invitational in Collegeville, Minn. It's the first of nine scheduled meets prior the conference championships.
 
The NSIC Outdoor Championships will be held May 7-9, in Duluth, Minn.