Buena Vista, VA - The Southern Virginia University men's and women's swim teams are back in the pool and set for the new season. After second-place finishes from the men and women at the Independent South Conference Championships in 2024, the Knights are looking to remain healthy and contend for more conference championships at the Independent South Championships held in February in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Head Coach Jennifer Moore expressed her support for her leaders from last year's squad, many of whom graduated or now serve as full-time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. "We support our many boys and girls who have left to serve missions for the Church. We will be missing the leadership of our three men's graduates and missionaries who left after last season. We are hoping to keep everyone healthy and strong to give us every opportunity to score points as a team."
While the roster will look very different this season, Moore also shared her excitement for her returners and newcomers. Josh Axtell and Roman Nowell are notable returners on the men's team, who have won two of the last three Independent South team championships. Ned Hill, who recently returned from serving a mission in Mexico, will be a key newcomer to the team. On the women's side, the Knights return their 50 free and 100 free team record holder, Jamie Horne, and add promising freshman Jesi Fuhriman. "They've already been great training teammates at practice, which has been very exciting," stated Coach Moore, who added that Jesi's twin sister, Mia, will also offer much to the team this season. Madelynn Fewick and Rylee Nugent are other newcomers who are looking to make a positive impact on team success.
Coach Moore shared that her team is looking to succeed in and out of the pool. "We have many goals out of the pool like we do in the pool. Keep Christ at the center of all we do. Serve in our community. Swim fast and have fun." Both teams have finished either second or first each year of competing at the Independent South Championships.
Their first step towards that came this past weekend in their opening meet, a dual with Roanoke College. While the Knights didn't emerge victorious, several Knights had standout performances at the meet. Roman Nowell produced strong finishes on the men's side, including a second-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly. Ned Hill also placed well in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle, finishing tied for second in the 50 and fourth out of nine swimmers in the 100. Senior Jamie Horne and freshman Jesi Furhman led the women's team, picking up several top-three finishes. Andie Prince (200 Fly) and Madelynn Fenwick (200 Back) also contributed well and picked up second-place finishes.
The Knights will hit the road this week for their next meet, which is hosted by Hollins University and includes Hampden-Sydney. It will take place this Friday, October 18th, in Roanoke, with the first events scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM. For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_swimming on Instagram.
