Spring athletics recap: Track and field leads strong season for Bethel athletics

Bethel’s 2026 spring season was highlighted by top-12 national finishes for both track and field programs, MIAC titles in baseball and men’s golf, historic tennis rankings, and record-setting individual performances.

By Jason Schoonover ‘09, senior web content specialist

June 11, 2026 | 10 a.m.

Bethel runner Grant Nelson celebrates as he crosses the finish line first.

Senior Grant Nelson won his second-straight NCAA Division III title in the 400-meter dash—and ran the third-fastest time in Division III history. Men’s track and field, baseball, and men’s golf all won MIAC championships, while women’s tennis finished 19-3 and reached No. 24 nationally, and women’s golf closed a strong season in Head Coach Trent Anderson’s final year after 16 seasons leading the program. “We had some really impressive performances,” says Director of Athletics Greg Peterson. “One of the things that stood out is the consistency of the teams—teams built and performed at a really high level all year.”

That consistency was especially clear in Bethel’s track and field program, which continued an impressive run of success in recent years. The men’s track and field team won its third-consecutive MIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship, while the women finished runner-up at the MIAC Outdoor Championships. Nelson was named MIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, while senior Ellie Hernes became the first Royal to earn MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors after winning conference titles in the long jump and triple jump.

Peterson praised Head Track and Field Coach Andrew Rock—who was named MIAC Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year for the third straight season—for his work growing the program. “Andrew is flat out amazing,” Peterson says. “He built really strong programs before we even had an outdoor track on campus. I think now, with an on-campus facility, he has been able to take it to another level.”

Bethel runner Shalom Sulungaine leads competitors down the track during a sprint race.

While both track and field programs finished in the top 12 nationally and earned several MIAC individual titles, Rock says the season was defined by more than records and national finishes. “We have a group that truly loves the sport, loves training, and loves each other,” Rock says. “The best memories I have are the relationships that you see grow, and I also love watching them figure out how to glorify the Lord with their talents.”

To Peterson, that reflects something distinctive about Bethel athletics: teams that compete at a high level while building strong relationships in a Christ-centered community. “Andrew builds a culture where the student-athletes feel cared for and love being part of the program,” Peterson says.

That care extends across the department. Peterson says Bethel’s coaches bring both skill and purpose to their work with student-athletes. “Our coaches care deeply about the student-athletes they coach and have incredibly high expectations for the young men and women they coach,” he says

Across all Bethel’s programs, Peterson sees that “teams really enjoy each other and the strong community within each program.” 

Here’s a recap of the 2026 spring season:

Bethel men's track athlete sprints in a relay race while carrying a blue baton.

Men’s track and field

The Bethel men’s track and field team won its third-consecutive MIAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship and placed ninth at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships, continuing one of the strongest stretches in program history.

The outdoor season continued the momentum of Bethel’s winter indoor season, where the Royals won their fourth-straight MIAC Indoor Championship and placed 12th nationally. In the spring, Bethel added early event wins at Redlands and the SJU/CSB Invite, a school-record hammer throw from Adam Hokanson at the Rider/Bolstorff Invitational, top-10 national marks from Cameron McConnell in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, and one of the nation’s fastest 4x400-meter relay times at the Drake Relays.

At the MIAC Championships, the Royals scored 202.5 points, swept the podium in the 200-meter dash, and won titles in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, discus, and 4x100-meter relay. Bethel also broke a 12-year-old school record in the 4x800-meter relay.

Senior Grant Nelson led the national showing by defending his NCAA title in the 400-meter dash with the third-fastest time in Division III history. Along with being named MIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, Nelson became the first Royal to earn USTFCCCA NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week honors.

The 4x100-meter relay team of Landen Liu, Nelson, Stephen Feig, and Cameron McConnell set a school record at the national meet with a time of 40.10, earning First Team All-America honors for the third straight season. The 4x400-meter relay also earned First Team All-America honors, extending Bethel’s streak to five consecutive outdoor All-America finishes in the event. Head Track and Field Coach Andrew Rock was named MIAC Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year for the third straight season.

Season highlights

  • MIAC three-peat. Won the MIAC Outdoor Championship for the third consecutive season with 202.5 team points.
  • National title defense. Grant Nelson repeated as NCAA champion in the 400-meter dash with one of the fastest times in Division III history.
  • Top-10 national finish. Placed ninth at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships.
  • Relay success. The 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams earned First Team All-America honors at the NCAA Championships.

Awards and milestones

  • NCAA Division III national champion: Grant Nelson (400m)
  • NCAA All-America First Team: Grant Nelson (400m), 4x100m relay team (Landen Liu, Grant Nelson, Stephen Feig, Cameron McConnell), 4x400m relay team (Grant Nelson, Tony Haack, Caleb Ketterling, Elliott Kent)
  • NCAA All-America Second Team: Landen Liu (100m), Timmy Ball (discus)
  • USTFCCCA NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week: Grant Nelson (May 11)
  • MIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year: Grant Nelson
  • MIAC Outdoor Coach of the Year: Andrew Rock
  • MIAC champions: Landen Liu (100m), Grant Nelson (200m, 400m), Logan Swanson (110m hurdles), Timmy Ball (discus), 4x100m relay team
  • MIAC All-Conference: Timmy Ball, Pryce Ferrin, Hootie Hage, Adam Hokanson, Elliott Kent, Landen Liu, Cameron McConnell, Grant Nelson, Michael Schultz, TJ Strubbe, Logan Swanson, Blake Viesselman, Stephen Feig, Victor Lelinga
  • MIAC Honorable Mention: Timmy Ball, Nick Bovitz, Philip Conant, Stephen Feig, Tony Haack, Hootie Hage, Timothy Hubers, Caleb Ketterling, Victor Lelinga, Brody Schelhaas, Trevor Stundahl, Brayden Waldron, Blake Viesselman, Adam Hokanson
  • School record: Grant Nelson, 400m (45.76)
  • School record: 4x100m relay team (40.10)
  • School record: 4x800m relay team (7:41.88)
  • School record: Adam Hokanson, hammer throw (57.27m)

Individual highlights

Logan Swanson, hurdler. Won the MIAC title in the 110-meter hurdles and posted a season-best time of 14.34 at the UW-La Crosse Last Chance meet. Provided Bethel with a top conference performer in the hurdles.

Logan Swanson, hurdler. Won the MIAC title in the 110-meter hurdles and posted a season-best time of 14.34 at the UW-La Crosse Last Chance meet. Provided Bethel with a top conference performer in the hurdles.

Adam Hokanson, thrower. Reset the program record in the hammer throw multiple times during the spring. Finished runner-up at the MIAC Championships with a career-best mark of 57.27 meters, and he was a MIAC Honorable Mention in the shot put, finishing sixth.

Adam Hokanson, thrower. Reset the program record in the hammer throw multiple times during the spring. Finished runner-up at the MIAC Championships with a career-best mark of 57.27 meters, and he was a MIAC Honorable Mention in the shot put, finishing sixth.

Cameron McConnell, sprinter. Helped power Bethel’s sprint group and the 4x100-meter relay team that broke the school record with a time of 40.10. Maintained top national marks in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes during the regular season.

Cameron McConnell, sprinter. Helped power Bethel’s sprint group and the 4x100-meter relay team that broke the school record with a time of 40.10. Maintained top national marks in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes during the regular season.

Landen Liu, sprinter. Won the MIAC 100-meter dash title with a time of 10.35 and earned All-America Second Team honors in the event at nationals. Also contributed to Bethel’s record-setting 4x100-meter relay.

Landen Liu, sprinter. Won the MIAC 100-meter dash title with a time of 10.35 and earned All-America Second Team honors in the event at nationals. Also contributed to Bethel’s record-setting 4x100-meter relay.

Timmy Ball, thrower. Won the MIAC title in the discus with a throw of 52.56 meters and earned All-America Second Team honors at the NCAA Championships. Added key field-event points throughout the postseason.

Timmy Ball, thrower. Won the MIAC title in the discus with a throw of 52.56 meters and earned All-America Second Team honors at the NCAA Championships. Added key field-event points throughout the postseason.

Grant Nelson, sprinter. Defended his NCAA title in the 400-meter dash, running the third-fastest time in Division III history, and became the first Royal to earn USTFCCCA NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week honors. Named MIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, he won conference titles in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes and finished his career connected to all four NCAA Division III outdoor national championships in Bethel program history.

Grant Nelson, sprinter. Defended his NCAA title in the 400-meter dash, running the third-fastest time in Division III history, and became the first Royal to earn USTFCCCA NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week honors. Named MIAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, he won conference titles in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes and finished his career connected to all four NCAA Division III outdoor national championships in Bethel program history.

Women’s track and field

Bethel track athlete Anna Speratos competes in the hammer throw inside the throwing cage.

The Bethel women’s track and field team finished runner-up at the 2026 MIAC Outdoor Championships and placed 12th at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships, the program’s highest national team finish in school history. The Royals scored 151 points at the conference meet and won seven MIAC titles, led by senior Ellie Hernes, who became the first Royal to earn MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors after winning conference titles in the long jump and triple jump.

Bethel carried that momentum to the national stage, where eight Royals competed at the NCAA Championships. Shalom Sulungaine finished fourth in the 400-meter dash with a school-record time, the 4x400-meter relay team placed fourth with another school record, and Anna Speratos finished fifth in the hammer throw to earn All-America honors for the second straight year.

Season highlights

  • National finish. Placed 12th at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships, highlighted by three top-five national finishes.
  • MIAC runners-up. Scored 151 points and finished runner-up at the MIAC Championships after winning seven titles on the final day.
  • Program first. Ellie Hernes became the first Royal to earn MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors after winning conference titles in the long jump and triple jump.
  • Record-setting relay. The 4x400-meter relay team of Madi Pelowski, Ashley Slaybaugh, Hannah Bingham, and Shalom Sulungaine broke the school record and finished fourth nationally.

Awards and milestones

  • NCAA All-America First Team: Shalom Sulungaine (400m), Anna Speratos (hammer throw), 4x400m relay team (Madi Pelowski, Ashley Slaybaugh, Hannah Bingham, Shalom Sulungaine)
  • NCAA All-America Second Team: Nora Larsen (shot put)
  • NCAA national qualifiers: Shalom Sulungaine, Madi Pelowski, Ashley Slaybaugh, Hannah Bingham, Adyson Gerbig, Ellie Hernes, Nora Larsen, Anna Speratos
  • MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year: Ellie Hernes
  • MIAC champions: Shalom Sulungaine (200m, 400m), Michaela Zenz (100m hurdles), AnnaGrace Nelson (pole vault), Ellie Hernes (long jump, triple jump), Anna Speratos (hammer throw), 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay
  • MIAC All-Conference: Shalom Sulungaine, Madi Pelowski, Michaela Zenz, AnnaGrace Nelson, Ellie Hernes, Anna Speratos, Ella Paulson, Autumn Maki, Raina Kaping, Alethia Olson-Skog, Ashley Slaybaugh, Hannah Bingham
  • MIAC Honorable Mention: Alethia Olson-Skog, Autumn Maki, Ashley Slaybaugh, Lucy Upton, Ellie Hernes, Hannah Bingham, Brianna Hexum, Raina Kaping, Nora Larsen, Rachel Wehrman
  • MIAC Athletes of the Week: Ellie Hernes (March 31), Anna Speratos (April 14 and April 28), 4x400m relay (April 28)
  • School record: Shalom Sulungaine, 400m dash (54.57)
  • School record: 4x400m relay (3:44.27)
  • School record: Ellie Hernes, triple jump (12.04m)
  • School record: Anna Speratos, hammer throw (56.38m)
  • School record: Ellie Hernes, heptathlon (4,440 points)
  • School record: Ellie Hernes, long jump (5.63m, tied)

Individual highlights

Michaela Zenz, hurdler. Won the MIAC title in the 100-meter hurdles with a career-best time of 14.76. Her conference title helped fuel Bethel’s runner-up team finish at the MIAC Championships.

Michaela Zenz, hurdler. Won the MIAC title in the 100-meter hurdles with a career-best time of 14.76. Her conference title helped fuel Bethel’s runner-up team finish at the MIAC Championships.

Nora Larsen, thrower. Strengthened Bethel’s national presence in the throwing events and earned All-America Second Team honors in the shot put. Recorded a season-best throw of 13.76 meters at the NCAA Championships and finished 12th in the country.

Nora Larsen, thrower. Strengthened Bethel’s national presence in the throwing events and earned All-America Second Team honors in the shot put. Recorded a season-best throw of 13.76 meters at the NCAA Championships and finished 12th in the country.

Madi Pelowski, sprinter. Helped lead Bethel’s record-setting relay group and earned All-America First Team honors as part of the 4x400-meter relay. The relay finished fourth nationally with a school-record time of 3:44.27.

Madi Pelowski, sprinter. Helped lead Bethel’s record-setting relay group and earned All-America First Team honors as part of the 4x400-meter relay. The relay finished fourth nationally with a school-record time of 3:44.27.

Anna Speratos, thrower. Anchored the Royals’ throws group and earned All-America First Team honors with a fifth-place national finish in the hammer throw. Reset the school hammer record multiple times during the season, finishing with a mark of 56.38 meters.

Anna Speratos, thrower. Anchored the Royals’ throws group and earned All-America First Team honors with a fifth-place national finish in the hammer throw. Reset the school hammer record multiple times during the season, finishing with a mark of 56.38 meters.

Shalom Sulungaine, sprinter. Led Bethel’s sprint group and earned All-America First Team honors with a fourth-place finish in the 400-meter dash at the NCAA Championships. Broke the school record in the event with a time of 54.57.

Shalom Sulungaine, sprinter. Led Bethel’s sprint group and earned All-America First Team honors with a fourth-place finish in the 400-meter dash at the NCAA Championships. Broke the school record in the event with a time of 54.57.

Ellie Hernes, jumps and multis. Became the first Royal to earn MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors after winning conference titles in the long jump and triple jump. Also set school records in the triple jump and heptathlon, and she tied the program record in the long jump.

Ellie Hernes, jumps and multis. Became the first Royal to earn MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors after winning conference titles in the long jump and triple jump. Also set school records in the triple jump and heptathlon, and she tied the program record in the long jump.

Baseball (29-10, 17-3 MIAC)

Bethel baseball pitcher delivers a pitch during a game.

The Bethel baseball team won the 2026 MIAC Regular Season Championship outright, finishing 29-10 overall and 17-3 in conference play. The Royals claimed the fourth regular-season conference title in program history—and their first since 2022—to earn the No. 1 seed in the MIAC Baseball Playoffs. Bethel entered conference play on a seven-game winning streak and later won 11 of 12 games during a mid-season surge that pushed the Royals to the top of the MIAC standings.

The team ranked among the top 20 nationally in several major categories, including doubles, home runs, slugging percentage, strikeouts per nine innings, and winning percentage. The season ended with two narrow losses in the MIAC Playoffs, but the Royals secured the program’s 13th appearance in the conference tournament.

Season highlights

  • Outright MIAC championship. Clinched the program’s fourth regular-season conference title with a road win in the regular-season finale, helping Bethel secure its 13th MIAC Baseball Playoff appearance.
  • Mid-season surge. Won 11 of 12 games during a key stretch that helped Bethel take control of the MIAC standings.
  • National statistical strength. Ranked among the top 20 in NCAA Division III in doubles per game, strikeouts per nine innings, winning percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs.
  • Historic offensive moment. Sam Abbas became the first Royal to hit for the cycle during a non-conference win over Northwestern.

Awards and milestones

  • D3baseball.com All-Region First Team: Seth Nelson, Hayden Sperbeck
  • ABCA All-Region First Team: Seth Nelson
  • ABCA All-Region Third Team: Drew Girtz, Hayden Sperbeck
  • MIAC Max Molock Player of the Year: Seth Nelson
  • MIAC All-Conference: Seth Nelson, Chris Lavin, Hayden Sperbeck, Tyler Allshouse, Drew Girtz
  • MIAC Honorable Mention: Chris Cannon, Mark Anderson
  • MIAC All-Playoff Team: Drew Girtz, Ben Trucke
  • MIAC Player of the Week: Chris Lavin (April 28), Sam Abbas (May 4)
  • MIAC Pitcher of the Week: Jackson Hunter (March 9)

Individual highlights

Tyler Allshouse, designated hitter. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after emerging as a key part of the offense in his first collegiate season, batting .390 with 32 hits. Closed the year on an eight-game hitting streak that included five multi-hit performances down the stretch.

Tyler Allshouse, designated hitter. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after emerging as a key part of the offense in his first collegiate season, batting .390 with 32 hits. Closed the year on an eight-game hitting streak that included five multi-hit performances down the stretch.

Seth Nelson, shortstop. Named MIAC Max Molock Player of the Year and earned D3baseball.com and ABCA All-Region First Team honors after anchoring the middle infield and batting .365 with 44 RBIs in his first season with the program. He recorded 15 multi-hit games and finished with a .967 fielding percentage.

Seth Nelson, shortstop. Named MIAC Max Molock Player of the Year and earned D3baseball.com and ABCA All-Region First Team honors after anchoring the middle infield and batting .365 with 44 RBIs in his first season with the program. He recorded 15 multi-hit games and finished with a .967 fielding percentage.

Sam Abbas, first baseman. Earned MIAC Player of the Week honors after becoming the first Royal in program history to hit for the cycle during a non-conference win over Northwestern. He led Bethel with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs while providing power in the middle of the lineup.

Sam Abbas, first baseman. Earned MIAC Player of the Week honors after becoming the first Royal in program history to hit for the cycle during a non-conference win over Northwestern. He led Bethel with 12 home runs and 49 RBIs while providing power in the middle of the lineup.

Hayden Sperbeck, outfielder. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors, D3baseball.com All-Region First Team honors, and ABCA All-Region Third Team honors after leading the Royals with a .400 batting average. He was one of Bethel’s most consistent hitters and went 5-for-5 in a road win over Macalester.

Hayden Sperbeck, outfielder. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors, D3baseball.com All-Region First Team honors, and ABCA All-Region Third Team honors after leading the Royals with a .400 batting average. He was one of Bethel’s most consistent hitters and went 5-for-5 in a road win over Macalester.

Drew Girtz, senior pitcher and outfielder. Earned MIAC All-Conference, MIAC All-Playoff Team, and ABCA All-Region Third Team honors after contributing as a two-way player with 60 strikeouts on the mound and a .357 batting average as the leadoff hitter. He added a 5-for-5 performance against Northwestern.

Drew Girtz, senior pitcher and outfielder. Earned MIAC All-Conference, MIAC All-Playoff Team, and ABCA All-Region Third Team honors after contributing as a two-way player with 60 strikeouts on the mound and a .357 batting average as the leadoff hitter. He added a 5-for-5 performance against Northwestern.

Chris Lavin, catcher. Earned MIAC All-Conference and MIAC Player of the Week honors while providing production behind the plate and in the lineup. He finished with a .431 on-base percentage and four home runs, and he went 3-for-3 with a grand slam and six RBIs against St. Scholastica.

Chris Lavin, catcher. Earned MIAC All-Conference and MIAC Player of the Week honors while providing production behind the plate and in the lineup. He finished with a .431 on-base percentage and four home runs, and he went 3-for-3 with a grand slam and six RBIs against St. Scholastica.

Softball (17-23 overall, 12-10 MIAC)

Bethel softball player in a batting helmet smiles and applauds from the field.

The Bethel softball team finished the 2026 season 17-23 overall and 12-10 in MIAC play, staying in the postseason race until the final day of the regular season. The Royals split with Gustavus Adolphus to finish in a four-way tie for the fourth and final MIAC Playoff spot, but missed the conference tournament on a tiebreaker.

Bethel tested itself early with a difficult non-conference schedule, including three nationally ranked opponents at the NFCA Leadoff Classic and a spring trip that featured a win over No. 18 Tufts. The Royals built momentum in MIAC play with a road sweep of Hamline, a sweep of Concordia-Moorhead highlighted by Dominique Walicke’s no-hitter, and a Senior Day sweep of Augsburg led by Sidney Bartels’ record-setting eight-RBI performance. Bethel also earned a dramatic conference win over St. Catherine, with Sidney Bartels delivering a walk-off single to hand the Wildcats their first MIAC loss.

Season highlights

  • Challenging schedule. Opened the season against three nationally ranked teams at the NFCA Leadoff Classic and later faced No. 3 Texas Lutheran during the spring trip.
  • Top-25 win. Defeated No. 18 Tufts during the spring trip, giving Bethel a signature non-conference victory.
  • No-hitter. Dominique Walicke threw the program’s first no-hitter since 2024 during a road sweep of Concordia-Moorhead.
  • Final-day finish. Split with Gustavus Adolphus to finish in a four-way tie for the final MIAC Playoff spot, narrowly missing the postseason on a tiebreaker.
  • Conference statement. Defeated St. Catherine on a walk-off single from Sidney Bartels, handing the Wildcats their first MIAC loss.

Awards, achievements, and milestones

  • MIAC All-Conference: Sidney Bartels, Mandalyn Franks, Abby Otterness
  • MIAC All-Conference Honorable Mention: Camryn Thurow
  • MIAC Player of the Week: Ellie Baker (March 30)

Individual highlights

Sidney Bartels, utility. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after leading Bethel with a .430 batting average and 36 RBIs while anchoring the middle of the lineup. Delivered a record-setting Senior Day performance with two home runs and eight RBIs in the sweep of Augsburg, and finished her career with 140 hits and 11 home runs across 153 games.

Sidney Bartels, utility. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after leading Bethel with a .430 batting average and 36 RBIs while anchoring the middle of the lineup. Delivered a record-setting Senior Day performance with two home runs and eight RBIs in the sweep of Augsburg, and finished her career with 140 hits and 11 home runs across 153 games.

Abby Otterness, pitcher and utility. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after powering the offense with a team-high eight home runs and 47 runs scored. Added 17 multi-hit games and contributed in the circle with 16 strikeouts across 11 appearances, while reaching 147 career hits and 90 RBIs across 115 games.

Abby Otterness, pitcher and utility. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after powering the offense with a team-high eight home runs and 47 runs scored. Added 17 multi-hit games and contributed in the circle with 16 strikeouts across 11 appearances, while reaching 147 career hits and 90 RBIs across 115 games.

Mandalyn Franks, utility. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after finishing the season with a .345 batting average and 14 multi-hit games while committing just two errors defensively. Closed the regular season with a 4-for-4 performance against Gustavus Adolphus and finished her career with 128 hits across 147 games.

Mandalyn Franks, utility. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors after finishing the season with a .345 batting average and 14 multi-hit games while committing just two errors defensively. Closed the regular season with a 4-for-4 performance against Gustavus Adolphus and finished her career with 128 hits across 147 games.

Dominique Walicke, pitcher. Earned six wins as a pitcher, along with pitching several complete games, and a five-inning no-hitter against Concordia-Moorhead—Bethel’s first no-hitter since 2024.

Dominique Walicke, pitcher. Earned six wins as a pitcher, along with pitching several complete games, and a five-inning no-hitter against Concordia-Moorhead—Bethel’s first no-hitter since 2024.

Brianna Tix, pitcher and utility. Led the pitching staff with nine wins and contributed as a two-way player. Pitched seven innings of one-run ball and added a multi-hit performance in the win over No. 18 Tufts.

Brianna Tix, pitcher and utility. Led the pitching staff with nine wins and contributed as a two-way player. Pitched seven innings of one-run ball and added a multi-hit performance in the win over No. 18 Tufts.

Women’s tennis (19-3 overall, 7-2 MIAC)

Bethel women's tennis team gathers in a pre-match huddle on the court.

The Bethel women’s tennis team completed one of the best seasons in program history, finishing 19-3 overall and 7-2 in MIAC play. The Royals opened the spring with a 13-match winning streak, reached as high as No. 24 in the national rankings, and earned the No. 3 seed in the MIAC Women’s Tennis Playoffs.

Bethel advanced to the MIAC Semifinals with a 4-0 quarterfinal win over Hamline, extending the program’s streak to 10 consecutive conference tournament appearances. The season also included national individual success, as Lauryn Douglas and Michaella Sullivan qualified for the NCAA Division III Individual Championships after a strong doubles run that began in the fall.

Season highlights

  • Historic start. Opened the season with 13 consecutive wins, setting a program record and helping Bethel climb as high as No. 24 nationally—the highest national ranking in program history.
  • Signature win. Defeated UW-La Crosse 4-3, handing the Eagles their first loss of the season.
  • Postseason return. Swept Hamline 4-0 in the MIAC Quarterfinals to reach the conference semifinals and extend Bethel’s playoff streak to 10 straight appearances.
  • National stage. Lauryn Douglas reached the round of 16 at the NCAA Individual Championships to become the second Singles All-American in program history.

Awards and milestones

  • NCAA Division III Singles All-American: Lauryn Douglas
  • NCAA Individual Championship qualifiers: Lauryn Douglas (singles and doubles), Michaella Sullivan (doubles)
  • ITA Cup qualifiers: Lauryn Douglas and Michaella Sullivan (doubles)
  • ITA Midwest Regional doubles finalists: Lauryn Douglas and Michaella Sullivan
  • MIAC Singles Player of the Year: Lauryn Douglas
  • MIAC Doubles Team of the Year: Lauryn Douglas and Michaella Sullivan
  • Chris Evert Award: Lauryn Douglas
  • MIAC All-Playoff Team: Lauryn Douglas
  • MIAC Honorable Mention Singles: Malia McKinnon
  • MIAC All-Conference Singles: Lauryn Douglas, Michaella Sullivan, Claire Keller, Elisabeth Langhus
  • MIAC All-Conference Doubles: Lauryn Douglas, Michaella Sullivan, Elisabeth Langhus, Payton Douglas
  • MIAC Athletes of the Week: Lauryn Douglas (March 2 and April 27), Claire Keller (March 9), Michaella Sullivan (March 23)

Individual highlights

Zadie Walvatne, first-year singles and doubles. Made an immediate impact with 11 singles wins and added depth to the doubles lineup. She posted a 6-0, 6-0 win against St. Catherine during Bethel’s unbeaten start.

Zadie Walvatne, first-year singles and doubles. Made an immediate impact with 11 singles wins and added depth to the doubles lineup. She posted a 6-0, 6-0 win against St. Catherine during Bethel’s unbeaten start.

Michaella Sullivan, junior singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in singles and doubles, MIAC Doubles Team of the Year honors with Lauryn Douglas, and qualified for the NCAA Individual Championships in doubles. She finished with 19 singles wins, a 20-1 doubles record, and reached her 100th career match victory during a conference sweep of St. Olaf.

Michaella Sullivan, junior singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in singles and doubles, MIAC Doubles Team of the Year honors with Lauryn Douglas, and qualified for the NCAA Individual Championships in doubles. She finished with 19 singles wins, a 20-1 doubles record, and reached her 100th career match victory during a conference sweep of St. Olaf.

Lauryn Douglas, senior singles and doubles. Led the top of Bethel’s lineup with a 21-0 record in dual singles matches and a 21-1 mark in doubles play. She reached the round of 16 at the NCAA Individual Championships to become the second Singles All-American in program history, swept MIAC Singles and Doubles Player of the Year honors, earned the Chris Evert Award, and was named to the MIAC All-Playoff Team.

Lauryn Douglas, senior singles and doubles. Led the top of Bethel’s lineup with a 21-0 record in dual singles matches and a 21-1 mark in doubles play. She reached the round of 16 at the NCAA Individual Championships to become the second Singles All-American in program history, swept MIAC Singles and Doubles Player of the Year honors, earned the Chris Evert Award, and was named to the MIAC All-Playoff Team.

Elisabeth Langhus, sophomore singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in both singles and doubles while adding reliable production throughout the lineup. She recorded 11 dual wins in both singles and doubles and delivered key tiebreak victories in close team wins over St. Catherine and UW-La Crosse.

Elisabeth Langhus, sophomore singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in both singles and doubles while adding reliable production throughout the lineup. She recorded 11 dual wins in both singles and doubles and delivered key tiebreak victories in close team wins over St. Catherine and UW-La Crosse.

Claire Keller, sophomore singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in singles and MIAC Athlete of the Week recognition while strengthening the middle of Bethel’s lineup. She finished with 17 singles victories and helped Bethel defeat No. 34 Grinnell with a tiebreak win.

Claire Keller, sophomore singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in singles and MIAC Athlete of the Week recognition while strengthening the middle of Bethel’s lineup. She finished with 17 singles victories and helped Bethel defeat No. 34 Grinnell with a tiebreak win.

Men’s tennis (19-4, 6-3 MIAC)

Bethel runner Grant Nelson celebrates as he crosses the finish line first.

The Bethel men’s tennis team finished 19-4 overall and 6-3 in MIAC play. The Royals opened with their first 3-0 start since 2018-19, later put together a perfect 6-0 spring break trip in Florida, and reached No. 72 in the national rankings.

Bethel earned the No. 5 seed in the MIAC Playoffs and advanced to the conference semifinals with a 4-1 quarterfinal upset at No. 4 seed St. Olaf, just one week after a narrow regular-season loss to the Oles.

Season highlights

  • Fast start. Opened the season 3-0 for the first time since 2018-19, setting an early tone for one of the program’s strongest seasons.
  • Spring break sweep. Went 6-0 in Orlando, Florida, to build momentum heading into the heart of the MIAC schedule.
  • National recognition. Reached No. 72 in the national rankings during the spring.
  • Postseason breakthrough. Upset No. 4 seed St. Olaf 4-1 as the No. 5 seed in the MIAC Quarterfinals to advance to the conference semifinals.

Awards and milestones

  • MIAC All-Conference Singles: Carter Sheard
  • MIAC All-Conference Doubles: Carter Sheard, Dylan Magistad
  • MIAC Honorable Mention Doubles: Zach Bengtson, Micah Gustafson
  • MIAC All-Playoff Team: Watson Sheard
  • MIAC Athletes of the Week: Carter Sheard (March 16), Dylan Magistad (March 23)

Individual highlights

Zach Bengtson, junior doubles. Earned MIAC Honorable Mention doubles recognition while helping form one of Bethel’s best doubles pairings, finishing 17-2. He added a key doubles win in the MIAC Quarterfinal victory over St. Olaf.

Zach Bengtson, junior doubles. Earned MIAC Honorable Mention doubles recognition while helping form one of Bethel’s best doubles pairings, finishing 17-2. He added a key doubles win in the MIAC Quarterfinal victory over St. Olaf.

Carter Sheard, junior singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in both singles and doubles and was named MIAC Athlete of the Week during the spring. He anchored the top of the lineup with a 15-5 singles record and 16 doubles victories, and added a three-set win against Hamline to help maintain Bethel’s late-season momentum.

Carter Sheard, junior singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors in both singles and doubles and was named MIAC Athlete of the Week during the spring. He anchored the top of the lineup with a 15-5 singles record and 16 doubles victories, and added a three-set win against Hamline to help maintain Bethel’s late-season momentum.

Watson Sheard, junior singles. Earned MIAC All-Playoff Team honors after delivering one of the defining moments of the postseason, rallying from a 0-6 first set to clinch the deciding point in Bethel’s MIAC Quarterfinal win at St. Olaf. His performance helped send the Royals to the conference semifinals.

Watson Sheard, junior singles. Earned MIAC All-Playoff Team honors after delivering one of the defining moments of the postseason, rallying from a 0-6 first set to clinch the deciding point in Bethel’s MIAC Quarterfinal win at St. Olaf. His performance helped send the Royals to the conference semifinals.

Kade Bishop, first-year singles. Led Bethel in singles victories with a 19-2 record in his first collegiate season. He went undefeated during the Royals’ 6-0 spring break trip.

Kade Bishop, first-year singles. Led Bethel in singles victories with a 19-2 record in his first collegiate season. He went undefeated during the Royals’ 6-0 spring break trip.

Dylan Magistad, senior singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference doubles honors and MIAC Athlete of the Week recognition while providing veteran leadership near the top of the lineup. He finished his career with a 49-22 dual-match singles record and closed Senior Day with a 6-0, 6-0 win against Saint John’s.

Dylan Magistad, senior singles and doubles. Earned MIAC All-Conference doubles honors and MIAC Athlete of the Week recognition while providing veteran leadership near the top of the lineup. He finished his career with a 49-22 dual-match singles record and closed Senior Day with a 6-0, 6-0 win against Saint John’s.

Men’s golf

Bethel men's golfer swings a driver during a tournament round.

The Bethel men’s golf team captured the 2025-26 MIAC Championship, securing the program’s third conference title and its third consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship. The Royals stayed near the top of regional fields throughout the year, adding runner-up finishes at several major invitationals.

Bethel closed the season at the NCAA Championship in Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida, where the team finished 32nd after a weather-delayed opening and missed the weekend cut. Freshman Zeke Roberts made the cut after opening rounds of 73 and 70, then finished tied for 61st nationally. Jesse Balc and Jacob Ferrin earned PING All-Region honors after leading the lineup throughout the season.

Season highlights

  • MIAC title. Captured the third MIAC Championship in program history to secure a third consecutive NCAA Division III Golf Championship appearance.
  • NCAA individual cut. Zeke Roberts made the individual cut at the NCAA Championship and finished tied for 61st nationally.
  • Conference recognition. Nick Cocalis was named MIAC Coach of the Year, and Zeke Roberts earned MIAC Rookie of the Year.
  • Regional honors. Jesse Balc and Jacob Ferrin were named to the NCAA Division III PING All-Region Team.

Awards and milestones

  • MIAC individual champion: Jesse Balc
  • MIAC Coach of the Year: Nick Cocalis
  • MIAC Rookie of the Year: Zeke Roberts
  • MIAC All-Conference: Jesse Balc, Jacob Ferrin, Zeke Roberts
  • NCAA Division III PING All-Region Team: Jesse Balc, Jacob Ferrin
  • NCAA Championship individual cut: Zeke Roberts
  • MIAC Athlete of the Week: Jesse Balc (April 28)

Individual milestones

Zeke Roberts. Earned MIAC All-Conference and MIAC Rookie of the Year honors after making an immediate impact with a 74.3 scoring average and a key postseason role. Made the individual cut at the NCAA Championship and finished tied for 61st nationally.

Zeke Roberts. Earned MIAC All-Conference and MIAC Rookie of the Year honors after making an immediate impact with a 74.3 scoring average and a key postseason role. Made the individual cut at the NCAA Championship and finished tied for 61st nationally.

Jacob Ferrin. Earned MIAC All-Conference and NCAA Division III PING All-Region honors while leading Bethel with a 73.0 scoring average over 18 rounds. Recorded top-10 finishes in nearly every conference event, carded a season-low 68 at the Saint John’s Fall Invitational, and tied for second at the MIAC Championship.

Jacob Ferrin. Earned MIAC All-Conference and NCAA Division III PING All-Region honors while leading Bethel with a 73.0 scoring average over 18 rounds. Recorded top-10 finishes in nearly every conference event, carded a season-low 68 at the Saint John’s Fall Invitational, and tied for second at the MIAC Championship.

Jesse Balc. Earned MIAC All-Conference and NCAA Division III PING All-Region honors after capturing the MIAC individual championship and finishing second on the team in scoring average. Added a runner-up finish at the Saint John’s Spring Invite to earn MIAC Athlete of the Week honors.

Jesse Balc. Earned MIAC All-Conference and NCAA Division III PING All-Region honors after capturing the MIAC individual championship and finishing second on the team in scoring average. Added a runner-up finish at the Saint John’s Spring Invite to earn MIAC Athlete of the Week honors.

Bethel women's golfer hits an approach shot from the rough during competition.

Women’s golf

Bethel golf coach talks with players during a collegiate golf tournament.

The Bethel women’s golf team closed the 2025-26 season with a third-place finish at the St. Kate’s Spring Invite, its best team finish of the year. The Royals also finished sixth at the MIAC Championships in the fall, giving the team a clear full-season benchmark before turning toward a spring schedule focused on growth and consistency.

Sophie Brantner led the lineup with a team-best 79.3 scoring average, Christina Scheid captured the individual title at the Rumble at the Ridge, and several Royals contributed key scores across stroke play and match play formats.

The season also marked a major leadership transition. Head coach Trent Anderson retired after 16 seasons leading the program, a tenure that included the 2019-20 MIAC Championship, MIAC Coach of the Year honors, and a long list of all-conference, all-region, and academic award winners. Leah Schubring was named Bethel’s next head women’s golf coach after two seasons as an assistant at the University of Tulsa, where she helped guide the Golden Hurricane to the 2025-26 American Conference Championship and a fifth-place NCAA Regional finish. A former Minnesota Ms. Golf, Schubring played collegiately at Nebraska and Minnesota.

Season highlights

  • Strong finale. Finished third at the St. Kate’s Spring Invite, the team’s best finish of the 2025-26 season.
  • Consistent team finishes. Placed fourth at the CSB Invite, tied for fifth at the Gustavus Spring Invite, and finished sixth at the MIAC Championships.
  • All-conference consistency. Sophie Brantner led Bethel with a 79.3 scoring average over 17 rounds.
  • Leadership transition. Trent Anderson retired after 16 seasons as head coach, and Leah Schubring was named the program’s next head coach.

Awards and milestones

  • MIAC All-Conference: Sophie Brantner
  • Rumble at the Ridge individual champion: Christina Scheid

Individual milestones

Christina Scheid. Captured the individual title at the Rumble at the Ridge with a round of 81 and was the team’s leading scorer during the spring. Added a season-best 77 at the St. Olaf-Carleton Invite.

Christina Scheid. Captured the individual title at the Rumble at the Ridge with a round of 81 and was the team’s leading scorer during the spring. Added a season-best 77 at the St. Olaf-Carleton Invite.

Sophie Brantner. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors while leading the Royals with a team-best 79.3 scoring average over 17 rounds. Posted a season-low 74 at the Saint Benedict Invite and finished third individually at the Gustavus Spring Invite.

Sophie Brantner. Earned MIAC All-Conference honors while leading the Royals with a team-best 79.3 scoring average over 17 rounds. Posted a season-low 74 at the Saint Benedict Invite and finished third individually at the Gustavus Spring Invite.

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