Winter Athletics Photo Essay
From the track to the court to the pool, °µĶųTV athletes embodied skill, grit, and dedication. In the electrifying arenas of Darby Gymnasium, the Bear Fieldhouse, and the Natatorium, every hurdle, dive, and three-point shot told a story of perseverance. The 2025ā26 season saw incredible wins, broken records, and the implacable determination of the Pioneersācaptured in moments that define what it means to compete at °µĶųTV.
Women's Indoor Track and Field
And they are off! The Pioneers hosted four indoor track meets in the Bear Fieldhouse including the Midwest Conference Championships. The Grinnell womenās track team piled up 156 points to win the league title for the first time since 1985.
Sprinter Kate Solano ā29 and her 4x200-meter relay team were runner-up at the championship meet with a school record time of 1 minute, 46.48 seconds.
With a leap of 10.54 meters, Rajanea Landers was the league champion in womenā triple jump.
Senior hurdler Jessie Goodman ā26 contributed to the title with points in both hurdles and running on relay units.
Men's Indoor Track and Field
Jake Bell ā27 and Rohan Thota ā28 provided depth in the shot put and high jump for the menās indoor track team. The Pioneers parlayed strong performances to claim the Midwest Conference Indoor Championships by a five-point margin over Cornell. It was °µĶųTVās first title since 1994.
A three-time league champion Lucas Faddenā26 led his team to the MWC title with wins in the 60 and 200 meter sprints and the 4x200 relay. Later in the spring Fadden raced to seventh place in both the 60 and 200 at the NCAA Division III national meet.
As °µĶųTVās top thrower, Ian Clawson ā26 scored valuable points in the weight throw as he placed third at the league meet with a throw of 17.36 meters.
Women's Basketball
Skylar Thomas ā26, daughter of two Pioneer alumni athlete parents, led her team in assists and steals per game.
As a quick footed guard, Cassidy Pak ā28 gave opponents fits as they tried to contain her driving to the basket.
Co-captain Carolyn Pierce ā27 is a reliable contributor and important outside shooter for the Pioneers.
Rookie Ava Wu ā29 took the Midwest Conference by storm garnering the leagueās newcomer of the year award. She ranked fifth in 3-pointers per game and among the top 15 in scoring.
Men's Basketball
Playing as part of the °µĶųTV menās basketball āSystem,ā John OāLeary ā29 takes advantage of an opportunity to score by dunking the ball at a home game in Darby Gym.
As a three-year starter, Kai Te Huki ā27 helped the Pioneers win the regular season and tournament Midwest Conference championships this winter.
Carson DeBruhl ā27 is one of three point guards deployed in °µĶųTVās unique playing style which utilizes contributions from 15-20 players each game.
Coach David Arseneault ā09 celebrates with his team in front of the student section in Darby Gym. The Pioneers had just won the league tournament and advanced to the NCAA Division III national championships.
Women's Swimming and Diving
Joely Kam ā28 sets herself to race for the Pioneer womenās swim team. °µĶųTV dominated the field and won their fifth Midwest Conference Championship in a row.
At the Midwest Conference championships, Alex Kruse ā29 completed the diving sweep on the 1 and 3-meter boards. She competed in NCAA diving regionals and advanced to the national meet.
Sophie Juethner ā26 celebrates after a strong swim. On the opening night of the league meet she teamed with three swimmers to win the 200-yard medley relay.
The 400 medley relay quartet of Joely Kam ā29, Simone Bennett ā29, Tory Morse ā29 and Sarah Lopez ā26 pose for a celebratory picture.
Men's Swimming and Diving
Along with his teammates Zach Roberts ā28 contributed to another Midwest Conference swim championship. The Pioneers claimed their 10th straight league trophy.
On opening night of the championship meet, Noah Tsukuda ā27 and his relay mates won the 800 freestyle relay in 6:49.04.
Jackson Waters ā27 completes a dive in early season competition.
Backstroker Samora Lumonya ā27 readies himself in the blocks for the start of a race.
