Scorecard Snapshots: Spring Athletic Highlights

As the spring sports season comes to a close, Grinnell College's athletes have given fans much to cheer about with great performances across a range of sports. From record-breaking achievements in track and field to dominant showings on the baseball and softball diamonds, and impressive outings in tennis and golf, the Pioneers have left an indelible mark. This photo essay captures the spirit and dedication of Grinnell's sports teams, highlighting the unforgettable moments that defined their seasons. 

Women’s Track and Field 

Grinnell College's Women's Track and Field team celebrated an outstanding 2024 season marked by record-breaking performances and strong team achievements. Their impressive performances earned them a top-three finish at the Midwest Conference Championships. Photos by Vierka Martin ’26/Grinnell College.

Men’s Track and Field  

The Grinnell College Men’s Track and Field team had a remarkable 2024 season, highlighted by record-breaking achievements and exceptional performances. Their efforts culminated in a strong finish at the Midwest Conference Championships, where they secured a top-three team placement. Second-year sprinter Lucas Fadden stole the individual headlines by advancing to the NCAA national meet and finishing eighth in the 100M dash to earn All-American honors. Photos by Vierka Martin ’26/Grinnell College.

Baseball  

Before celebrating Senior Day on May 5 at Pioneer Park, the Grinnell College baseball team thrilled fans with a 4-2 victory over Illinois College. Stellar pitching and timely offense helped the Pioneers set school season records for at-bats (1,371), RBIs (256), innings pitched (325.1), strikeouts (301), and putouts (975). The team concluded the season with a 9-14 Midwest Conference record and a 16-23 overall record. Photos by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College. 

Softball  

Grinnell College's senior-laden softball team fittingly capped their home season with a successful finale, securing their 10th shutout of the season and tying a school record. The Pioneers clinched the second seed in the Midwest Conference Tournament with the win, improving their league record to 13-3 and finishing 24-14 overall. By winning the conference tournament the Pioneers advanced to the NCAA national tournament for the second straight year. This remarkable season underscores the depth and talent of one of the best senior classes in Grinnell women's athletics history. Photos by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College. 

Women’s Tennis  

Making history, both Grinnell College tennis teams finished their seasons ranked among the top 30 nationally. The women's team achieved a 24th-place finish in the NCAA Division III rankings released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Both teams advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament, each making it to the second round. Photos by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College.

Men’s Tennis  

For the first time, Grinnell College's men's and women's tennis teams both ended their seasons ranked in the top 30 nationally. The men's team secured a 29th-place finish in the NCAA Division III rankings by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). Both teams advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament, marking a historic achievement for the Pioneers. Photos by Emlyn Yoon-Buck ’25/Grinnell College

Men’s Golf   

Grinnell College's men's golf team set a new school record for 54 holes at the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships, finishing with a score of 906. Ian Strawn '24 concluded his collegiate career impressively, shooting a 1-under-par 71 to finish at 236. The team ended the season with a scoring average of 312.85, the fourth-best in program history. Photos by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College

Women’s Golf  

Grinnell College's women's golf team earned an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship, held from May 21-24. After capturing their fifth consecutive St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship last fall, the Pioneers are ranked 25th in the latest Division III Mizuno WGCA Coaches Poll. At the national tournament, the women made the top-15 team cut and finished 13th overall with a four-day total of 1256, which was a new school record. This marks their fifth NCAA Tournament appearance and their first since the 2020-21 season. Photos by Justin Hayworth/Grinnell College.