Moments in Motion: Capturing Grinnell Pioneers in Action

This fall, Grinnell athletes participated in exciting competitions in volleyball, football, tennis, and more. From high-energy touchdowns on the football field to powerful spikes over the net, this photo essay displays the dedication, teamwork, and school pride that fuels Grinnell’s passionate and dynamic atmosphere every season. 

Football   

Grinnell College Head Football Coach Brent Barnes was optimistic going into the football season, citing strength in numbers and a group of experienced seniors. In competitions through September and October, the football team finished with an overall record of 2-5. One notable achievement was securing a victory against Knox College, ending their decade-long winning streak over the Pioneers. Grinnell also ended a nine-game losing streak with a last-second victory over Lawrence University, improving their record to 1-2 in the Midwest Conference and 1-3 overall. Though not every game resulted in a win, each game was full of eye-catching plays! 

Volleyball 

The volleyball season was one for the books, marked by comebacks, close games, and relentless determination. In a conference match against Beloit College, Emily Brewer ’25 became the fourth Pioneer to reach 3,000 career assists, right here in Grinnell’s Darby Gymnasium. Meanwhile, her teammate Sophie Weber ’25 received the Midwest Conference Volleyball Defensive Performer of the Week award three times this season. Through September and October, the volleyball team had an impressive 17-8 and 4-0 record. 

Women’s Soccer    

Grinnell’s women’s soccer season was highlighted by an impressive third consecutive trip to the Midwest Conference Tournament. On an unforgettable Senior Day, the Pioneers kept their winning streak going against Beloit College, besting them in 33 straight matches, a record kept alive since the 1980s. After a long hiatus from home games, Grinnell also outscored Cornell College 5-0, boosting the Pioneers to a 4-1 record in the Midwest Conference and 7-4-2 overall. The game also marked four straight wins against Cornell. In play through September and October, the women’s soccer team finished with a record of 8-4-2 and 5-1. 

Men’s Soccer  

The men’s soccer team celebrated a season of thrilling milestones this season. In a non-conference showdown against Buena Vista University, the team scored a remarkable seven goals – their highest in three years. At home, Grinnell extended its lengthy winning streak to 16 matches against Cornell, leaving them winless against the Pioneers since 1991. On Senior Day, the Pioneers couldn’t help but have a record-breaking day, setting a school record with eight assists in an 8-2 triumph over Beloit. Through September and October, the men posted a 7-4-5, 3-1-2 record. 

Women’s Golf  

Grinnell entered the season on a high, having won five consecutive St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Women’s Golf Championship titles and boasting 11 league titles —  six of them coming from the Midwest Conference. The momentum didn’t stop there, with the team shattering a school record at the 2024 SLIAC, finishing with an 873. The record destroyed the previous league record and marked the second-best 18-hole round in program history. With the team title, Grinnell earned a spot in next spring’s NCAA Division III Championship. And, of course, the members of the unstoppable women’s golf team continued their winning streak, clinching their sixth SLIAC title and 12th crown overall! 

Women’s Tennis  

The women’s tennis team continued its remarkable success this season, with half a dozen players clinching titles at the 2024 Midwest Conference Individual Tournament at the Nielsen Tennis Center. They also secured their sixth consecutive Midwest Conference crown by defeating Lake Forest College 5-2. By the end of the season, Grinnell finished league play with an outstanding 6-0 record while completing fall team play with an impressive 9-0 mark. The Pioneers continued their remarkable legacy, boasting 45 consecutive victories against league opponents. 

Women’s Cross Country   

The Grinnell women’s cross country team never runs … out of steam! In a stellar season opener, four Grinnellians earned spots on the women’s cross country all-time top 50 list. After another strong performance at Grinnell’s own Les Duke Invitational, the women’s cross country team held onto sixth place in the NCAA Division III Midwest Region rankings. In a competition with some of the nation’s best teams, the cross country team produced quality results at the NCAA D-III Twilight Friday night, finishing 21st in a 58-team field. 

Men’s Cross Country 

The Grinnell men’s cross country team kicked off the season in traditionally strong form, showcasing strong performances against regionally-ranked Central College. Three runners blazed into the top nine, claiming second-place honors at the Central Dutch Invitational for the Pioneers. At Grinnell’s own Les Duke Invitational, the Pioneers kept the momentum going, placing two runners in the top six and securing second at the Grinnell College Golf Course. Later in the season, the men’s cross country team ranked 30th in team standings at the Interregional Invite and 34th in a 58-team field at the NCAA D-III Twilight.