Winter Athletics Photo Essay

Athletics

● Jan 30, 2026

The women's basketball team dressed in white uniforms surround their coach, in black, before a game

From the track to the court to the pool, Grinnell College 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 2025–26 season saw incredible wins, broken records, and the implacable determination of the Pioneers—captured in moments that define what it means to compete at Grinnell.

Women's Indoor Track and Field

Students in red and black track uniforms take off from the starting blocks of an indoor track

And they are off! The Pioneers hosted four indoor track meets in the Bear Fieldhouse including the Midwest Conference Championships. The Grinnell women’s track team piled up 156 points to win the league title for the first time since 1985.

A student with blonde hair and wearing a black track uniform runs on an indoor track

Sprinter Kate Solano ‘29 and her 4x200-meter relay team were runner-up at the championship meet with a school record time of 1 minute, 46.48 seconds.

A student with black and blue braids wearing a black Grinnell track uniform lands in the sand pit for long jump

With a leap of 10.54 meters, Rajanea Landers was the league champion in women’ triple jump.

Three students in red and black track uniforms leaping over hurdles

Senior hurdler Jessie Goodman ’26 contributed to the title with points in both hurdles and running on relay units.

Men's Indoor Track and Field

A student with short dark hair and wearing a black Grinnell track uniform holds a shot put behind his head

A student in a black Grinnell track uniform in midair over a bar, completing a high jump

Jake Bell ’27 and Rohan Thota ’28 provided depth in the shot put and high jump for the men’s indoor track team. The Pioneers parlayed strong performances to claim the Midwest Conference Indoor Championships by a five-point margin over Cornell. It was Grinnell’s first title since 1994.

A three-time league champion Lucas Fadden’26 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.

A student wearing a black Grinnell track uniform with his arms outstretched in the middle of a hammer throw

As Grinnell’s top thrower, Ian Clawson ’26 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 ’26, daughter of two Pioneer alumni athlete parents, led her team in assists and steals per game.

A basketball player wearing a white Grinnell uniform reaches for the ball along with two defending players in black

As a quick footed guard, Cassidy Pak ’28 gave opponents fits as they tried to contain her driving to the basket.

A basketball player with her hair in a blonde ponytail and wearing a white Grinnell uniform shoots the ball

Co-captain Carolyn Pierce ’27 is a reliable contributor and important outside shooter for the Pioneers.

A basketball player with her hair in a dark braid and wearing a white Grinnell uniform, number 14, dribbles the ball in front of a defending player in black

Rookie Ava Wu ’29 took the Midwest Conference by storm garnering the league’s newcomer of the year award. She ranked fifth in 3-pointers per game and among the top 15 in scoring.

Men's Basketball

A basketball player in a white Grinnell uniform holds the ball as he jumps to dunk it in the basket

Playing as part of the Grinnell men’s basketball “System,” John O’Leary ’29 takes advantage of an opportunity to score by dunking the ball at a home game in Darby Gym.

Men's basketball player prepares to shoot a three pointer

As a three-year starter, Kai Te Huki ’27 helped the Pioneers win the regular season and tournament Midwest Conference championships this winter.

A basketball player with wearing a white Grinnell uniform, number 13, dribbles the ball in front of a defending player in purple

Carson DeBruhl ’27 is one of three point guards deployed in Grinnell’s unique playing style which utilizes contributions from 15-20 players each game.

Men's basketball team and the coach cheers after winning

Coach David Arseneault ’09 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

Swimmers lined up on starting blocks, ready to dive into the pool

Joely Kam ’28 sets herself to race for the Pioneer women’s swim team. Grinnell dominated the field and won their fifth Midwest Conference Championship in a row.

A diver flipping backwards above two diving boards and into a pool

At the Midwest Conference championships, Alex Kruse ’29 completed the diving sweep on the 1 and 3-meter boards. She competed in NCAA diving regionals and advanced to the national meet.

Women's swimmer celebrates in the pool after a race

Sophie Juethner ’26 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.

Four women's swim team members pose for a photo after a race

The 400 medley relay quartet of Joely Kam ’29, Simone Bennett ’29, Tory Morse ’29 and Sarah Lopez ’26 pose for a celebratory picture.

Men's Swimming and Diving

A swimmer dives off the starting block into the pool

Along with his teammates Zach Roberts ’28 contributed to another Midwest Conference swim championship. The Pioneers claimed their 10th straight league trophy.

On opening night of the championship meet, Noah Tsukuda ’27 and his relay mates won the 800 freestyle relay in 6:49.04.

A diver entering the pool in a lean vertical position

Jackson Waters ’27 completes a dive in early season competition.

Men's swimmer gets set for the start of a backstroke race

Backstroker Samora Lumonya ’27 readies himself in the blocks for the start of a race.

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Athletics