Grinnell College Achieves Impressive Athletic Milestones: Celebrating Conference Championships and Unmatched Success

Grinnell College is proud to announce an exceptional year of athletic achievements, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of student-athletes, coaches and support staff. With an impressive display of skill and determination, Grinnell teams have secured seven team conference championships out of 20 sports, with five of these titles achieved by women's teams. The conference champions are women's soccer, women's swimming and diving, women’s golf, women’s tennis, and softball. Men’s tennis and men’s swimming and diving won conference championships as well.  

"We are proud of the student-athletes' accomplishments and the way they have represented our college both on and off the field. These achievements highlight the collective effort and the culture of excellence that exists within our athletic program. Our student-athletes have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level while serving as living testaments to the values and mission of the College,” said Ben Cooprider, associate athletic director. 

One of the standout moments this year was the historic triumph of the Grinnell College Softball team, as they secured their first-ever conference championship in program history. The team's perseverance and relentless efforts culminated in this remarkable achievement that will be remembered as a milestone in the College's athletic history. 
 
Grinnell College continues to showcase its strength in the Midwest Conference as it secures the All-Sports Trophy on the women's side for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in program history. This achievement further reinforces Grinnell's long-standing tradition of success in athletics. Grinnell has received this recognition three times in the last four seasons, including the 17-18 season. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the trophy was not awarded for the 2019-20 or 2020-21 seasons. Furthermore, Grinnell College will once again finish second on the men's side, solidifying their place among the top contenders for two consecutive years. 

Grinnell proudly celebrates four student-athletes who have been honored as recipients of the prestigious Elite 20 award, recognizing their exceptional academic achievements with the highest GPAs in the conference. 

"Grinnell has always emphasized the importance of academic success and balance for our student-athletes, and we are thrilled to see their outstanding achievements reflected in our record-breaking Academic All-Conference selections. With 348 student-athletes recognized, surpassing the second-best school by a remarkable margin of over 140, it is evident that our student-athletes prioritize excellence both on the athletic field and in the classroom. These achievements highlight the commitment of our student-athletes and the overall culture of academic achievement at Grinnell," said Steve Sieck, associate professor of chemistry and faculty athletic representative. 

Grinnell College takes great pride in the outstanding achievements of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. These accomplishments not only demonstrate their dedication and talent but also highlight Grinnell's commitment to fostering a thriving athletic program that nurtures both individual growth and team success. 

“As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who contributed to the success of Grinnell College's athletic program. Their hard work, passion, and dedication, are a testament to the enduring spirit of Grinnell College athletics," added Cooprider.