Grinnell College Athletics Celebrates Historic Winter Sports Season
Grinnell College’s athletic teams have made waves this season, setting records and earning national recognition across basketball and swimming & diving. From thrilling conference championships to record-breaking performances, the Pioneers continue to make history.
Grinnell Men’s Basketball Makes History
The men’s basketball team set a new program record with 20 wins and captured the Midwest Conference Tournament title, earning a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since 2001. The team led the nation in three-pointers per game and free throws made per game. For the first time since 2007, two players earned All-Midwest Conference first-team honors, and Kai Te Huki repeated as an All-Region selection.
Grinnell Women’s Basketball Reaches New Heights
Women’s basketball tied for second in conference play—the program’s best finish since the early 1990s. With 19 wins, the team recorded the second-highest total in program history. Three players earned All-Midwest Conference honors, the most in 32 years. Sara Booher added to the excitement with one of the few triple-doubles in program history.
Women’s Indoor Track and Field Sets Records
Grinnell’s women’s indoor track and field team had a standout season, breaking records and achieving top performances. The 4x200-meter relay team of Lily Mayo, Ava Taylor, Maile Crowe, and Rajanea Landers set a new school record, showcasing their speed and teamwork. Hannah Roark posted the program’s best 3000-meter run time since 2007 and the fastest 800-meter time since 2012. Additionally, Mayo delivered the best high jump performance for the program since 2009, highlighting her strength in field events.
Men’s Indoor Track and Field Breaks Multiple Records
The men’s indoor track and field team made history this season, setting three school records. Luke Robinson broke the program record in the 3000-meter run, while Ilem Leisher set a new mark in the 60-meter hurdles. The 4x200-meter relay team—featuring Jake Warren, Linus O’Brien, Caden Pfister, and Jesse Miller—also etched their names in the record books. O’Brien clocked the fastest 400-meter time for Grinnell since 2004, and the 4x400 relay team posted the program’s best time in two decades.
Men’s Swimming and Diving Shines at Nationals
The men’s swimming and diving team sent its largest group of qualifiers to the NCAA Division III Championships since 1991. Kevin Fitzgerald earned first-team All-America honors, becoming the first Pioneer to do so in over a decade. The 400 freestyle relay team secured Grinnell’s first All-American relay finish since 1991. The team also clinched its ninth consecutive Midwest Conference title and 21st in the last 23 years, with Fitzgerald named MWC Swimmer of the Year and Evan Feilmeyer honored as Newcomer of the Year. Along the way, the team set school records in 10 events.
Women’s Swimming and Diving Continues Success
Grinnell’s women’s swimming and diving team captured its fourth consecutive Midwest Conference title and its 24th in the last 26 years. The team also set school records in nine events, further cementing its legacy of excellence. As the winter sports season concludes, the Pioneers look ahead to building on this momentum in the years to come.