Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College athletics celebrates a phenomenal year during the 2009-10 season as six teams competitively competed in national tournaments. The College’s women’s intercollegiate athletic program offers seven varsity sports, including basketball, cross country, equine, golf, soccer, and softball. About 30 percent of the student body participates in the intercollegiate athletics program.
In its inaugural year, cross-country team won the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Cross Country Championship. Soccer and softball teams finished runners-up in nationals. The basketball team competed in USCAA nationals. Equestrian Hunt Team competed in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) nationals. Equestrian Western riders competed in IHSA nationals.
“This has been an incredible year for our young women, the coaches and our programs. Our athletes have experienced a challenging level of competition that more than equals their passion,” said Deanna Bradley, SMWC athletic director.
SMWC’s athletic philosophy is embedded in the ideals of the college’s liberal arts traditions. These ideals promote the concept of the total person, which stresses academic achievement while promoting competition, college spirit, leadership, respect, and sportsmanship.
The success and commitment of the students is not limited to their sport. Student athletes consistently perform well in the classroom. All of the athletic teams combined boast a GPA of 3.2. This academic year 10 students were named USCAA Academic All-Americans and six were named USCAA Athletic All-Americans.
Bradley added, “Our program places the highest priority on the success of the educational experience while helping students to reach their full potential athletically. These women demonstrate that dedication, preparation and perseverance prove to be the hallmark of a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods student athlete.”
Athletic All Americans
Cross Country
Mannie Bizuneh
Stephanie Runyon
Jennifer Shetley
Soccer
Aarika Garcia (honorable mention)
Softball
Sara Goeltz
Amanda McGlone
Elizabeth Wright
Academic All Americans
Basketball
Abby McKee
Cross Country
Jennifer Shetley
Soccer
Maureen Brown
Emily Contreraz
Erin Pugh
Brittney Simmerman
Softball
Sara Goeltz
Amanda McGlone
Leah Miller
Elizabeth Wright
Equestrian – SMWC Academic Honors (The sport is not recognized by the USCAA.)
Ashley Boyce
Ashley Bruner
Mary Bungum
Elizabeth Burgess
Bethany Erli
Whitney Mahloch
Morgan McMillan
Abigail Paul
Jordyn Perrott
Morgyn Purdy
Christina Ridgeway