The Iowa State swim and dive team is set to embark on its first road trip of the 2025-26 season, traveling to South Dakota for back-to-back dual meets against South Dakota State on Thursday and South Dakota on Friday.
The Cyclones are led by second-year head coach Matt Leach, and are looking to build on a promising start to the 2025-26 season.
After opening regular-season competition with losses to Nebraska and Illinois at home, Iowa State now turns its attention to familiar opponents.
Last year, the Cyclones squared off against both of these programs in Ames and came out on top. Iowa State defeated South Dakota State 201-94 and South Dakota 179-119.
The Cyclones will continue to rely on returning standouts like sophomores Anja Peck, a breaststroke specialist, and Grace Swoboda, who made waves in her freshman campaign and has had a strong start to this season.
On the diving side, seniors Ally Blumenfeld and Kate Mitchell anchor a strong group that will be tested against both South Dakota State and South Dakota’s divers.
Thursday’s meet at South Dakota State will be a key opportunity for Iowa State to sharpen its relay teams and test its depth across freestyle and backstroke events. South Dakota State enters the meet 2-2 on the young season, and the Jackrabbits have shown early-season strength, particularly in distance events, making this a competitive matchup.
Friday’s meet against South Dakota will be another chance for the Cyclones to showcase their versatility. Iowa State swept all 16 events in last year’s dual against the Coyotes, but South Dakota returns a solid core and will be looking to challenge Iowa State in sprint and diving events.
There is a clear emphasis on the importance of these road meets for Iowa State in preparation for major competitions later in the season. The Cyclones aim to use this South Dakota road trip to fine-tune their lineup and build momentum heading into the rest of the season.
These two meets will conclude the month of October for the Cyclones, and they won’t return to the pool until Nov. 18 in Iowa City for the Hawkeye Invite.
Other key meets the rest of the season include the Big 12 duals in Houston, Texas and the Big 12 championships in Greensboro, North Carolina.
First splash is set for 5 p.m. Thursday in Brookings against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and 3 p.m. Friday in Vermillion against the South Dakota Coyotes.
