BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead track & field saw juniors Jaiden Peraza, Shavantae Roberts, Colin O'Farrell and freshman Jazmin Barry named 'Athletes to Watch' in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) preseason coaches' poll for outdoor track & field. 

The Dragon men were picked third (tied with UMary) in the preseason team rankings while MSUM's women's program was ranked eighth. 

"Our team brings a great mix of depth and versatility across multiple events, and after a strong indoor season, we're set up for an exciting outdoor campaign. We have returning athletes who have broken school records and competed on the NCAA stage, providing a solid foundation of experience," said head coach Ryan Milner of the Dragon women. "Our new additions have added even more firepower, particularly in the sprints and jumps, where we're positioned to make a significant impact."

Roberts and Barry each earn the 'Athlete to Watch' distinction after history-making indoor campaigns. Roberts set the MSUM school record in the indoor 60m and 200m during the season. The performances helped Roberts to First Team All-America honors in the 60m at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Roberts qualified for last year's outdoor national championships in the 100m dash. 

"Shavantae continued to elevate her career during the 2025 indoor season, rewriting MSUM's record books in the 60m and 200m. We're excited to see her carry that momentum into the outdoor season," said Milner of Roberts. "Beyond her talent, she's an incredibly dedicated and driven athlete who sets a high standard for those around her. With her work ethic and competitive mindset, I have no doubt she'll be a major force in the sprints this outdoor season."

Barry narrowly missed NCAA Championship qualification in the long jump during the indoor season. The true freshman reset the MSUM school record in the event in her first collegiate meet. 

"Jazmin had an outstanding indoor campaign, breaking the MSUM long jump record and earning All-NSIC honors, which speaks to the level of competitor she is. She's continued to push herself in training, and her confidence is growing with every jump," said Milner of Barry. "Jazmin has the talent, drive, and mindset to make a major impact in the outdoor season, and we're excited to see how she builds on her success."

Both Peraza and O'Farrell had standout indoor seasons for the Dragon men, helping MSUM to the third place ranking this outdoor season. "The strides we made indoors set the foundation for an exciting outdoor season," said Milner. "This team has the potential to accomplish something special. It's going to be exciting to see how they continue to push each other and elevate our program as the season progresses."

Peraza notched the second-best indoor high jump during the indoor season, eventually winning an NSIC title in the event in February. The performance helped Peraza qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the high jump. The Kindred, N.D., native narrowly missed All-America distinction, finishing 13th overall. 

"Jaiden had an outstanding indoor season, winning a conference high jump title and earning a trip to the NCAA National Championships—a testament to his talent and dedication. He brings a relentless drive to improve every day, and we're eager to see that translate to the outdoor season," said Milner. "He will continue to be a major asset to our program, and we're excited to watch him elevate his performance in the months ahead."

O'Farrell will command middle distance events for the Dragons after helping MSUM to an All-NSIC performance in the distance medley relay. The Spicer, Minn., native also garnered All-NSIC honors in the 800m, finishing third overall. "Colin will make a significant impact for us in the middle-distance events this outdoor season," said Milner. "He's coming off a strong indoor campaign where he showed his ability to compete at a high level, from 800m to the Mile and we're excited to see how that carries into the outdoor season."

The Dragons are set to kick off the outdoor season at the USD Early Bird on April 4-5.