COLUMBUS, Ind. – The IU Columbus Athletics Department wrapped up a competitive and challenging fall season marked by notable individual performances and team growth. Despite facing tough competition, the Crimson Pride showcased resilience, determination, and progress both on and off the field. With several teams still in their early years of competition, IUC athletes demonstrated impressive talent and commitment, setting the stage for future success. From volleyball to soccer, cross country to basketball, and cheerleading to dance, IUC athletes made significant strides that will contribute to the continued development and competitiveness of their programs for years to come.

    The IUC Men's Soccer team had a difficult season, finishing with a 4-11-2 overall record and a 0-7-1 mark in
    conference play. However, the team had several bright spots, especially in the performances of key
    individuals like Jon Michael Bright, who earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors, and Eduardo Cordova
    and Kevin Cruz, both of whom earned 3rd Team All-Conference recognition.

    In addition to their on-field accomplishments, the team also saw Christian Cardoso honored as an NAIA
    Champions of Character recipient for his leadership. The RSC Fall Scholar Athletes list also featured Angel
    Roque, Dylan Krueckeberg, Jacob Kasarda, Jon Michael Bright, and Kevin Cruz, underscoring the team's
    commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic performance. 

    Despite a tough season, these individual performances give reason for optimism, and the team is poised for
future success as they continue to build on these experiences.

The IUC Women's Soccer team also faced its fair share of challenges. Finishing the season 2-12-1 overall and 0-9 in conference play, but there were several bright spots in terms of individual growth and team determination.

Mallory Gilley was named to the 3rd Team All-Conference, a reflection of her strong individual performances and work ethic. Rachel Lamping earned a place on the NAIA Champions of Character team, honoring her leadership both on and off the field. The team also had five players named to the RSC Fall Scholar Athletes list, including Ana Jackson, Daniella Bulach, Hannah Grimes, Lily Campbell, and Sophie Parker.

Though the team's overall performance didn't reflect their potential, the leadership and character shown by players like Gilley and Lamping offer a promising outlook for the future.

The IUC Volleyball team finished the season with a record of 10-13 overall and 6-10 in the conference, narrowly missing a spot in the conference tournament by a single set. Although the team fell short of postseason play, the season was a testament to their competitive spirit and individual growth.

Key honors included Cora Baker, who earned 2nd Team All-Conference recognition for her standout
performances and was named to the NAIA Champions of Character team, a prestigious honor that reflects
her leadership and integrity both on and off the court. In addition, six IUC players, including Abigail Watson,
Alyvia Luce, Cora Baker, Leah Thompson, Madison Hunter, and Olivia Embry, were named RSC Fall Scholar Athletes, highlighting their academic achievements alongside their athletic efforts.

Though the postseason was out of reach, the team's determination and individual development set the
foundation for future success.

The IUC Women's Cross Country team had a competitive season, highlighted by individual honors and a strong showing at the RSC Championships. Brett Kleber earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors and was named
RSC Fall Scholar Athlete, a recognition of her consistency and hard work. Abby Voss was named to the NAIA Champions of Character team, exemplifying leadership both in competition and within the team.

The team tied for 7th place at the RSC Championships, further demonstrating their competitiveness and potential to build on this momentum moving forward.

On the men's side, the IUC Men's Cross Country team finished 10th at the RSC Championships, with Blake Nigg leading the charge. Both Nigg and Conner Beatty were named RSC Fall Scholar-Athletes, showcasing the balance between academic and athletic excellence at IUC. Nigg's leadership was further recognized as he earned a spot on the NAIA Champions of Character team for his integrity and commitment to the sport.

The men's team continues to build, and as they gain experience, their growth potential is clear.

This year, both teams hosted the inaugural Crimson Pride Open, an event open to the community to help support IUC's cross country programs. The event was wildly successful and showcased the cross country team's ability to host a top-tier competition.

    The IUC Men's Basketball team has had a tough start to the season, with a 1-12 overall record and a 0-1
    mark in conference play. However, the team has gained valuable experience. From opening up the NCAA
    D1 season against sister-school IU Indy on ESPN+ to playing multiple nationally ranked NAIA programs.
    The team is competing in high-profile games week in and week out.
    
    Gavin Dowling has been a bright spot for the team, currently ranked 5th in the conference for rebounding.     His continued development will be crucial as the team looks to start conference play and build for the
    future.

    Similar to their male counterparts, the IUC Women's Basketball team has faced a tough start to the season      with a 2-10 overall record and 0-1 in conference play. However, the team has gained significant exposure  by playing D1 teams like Morehead State University and the University of Evansville on ESPN+ and a handful of nationally ranked NAIA programs.

Despite their struggles, the team is focused on building a foundation for future success. The development of key players and the lessons learned from facing top-tier competition will be critical as they move forward.

Although the IUC Cheerleading team is not competing this year due to conference rules, they continue to be an integral part of the athletic experience at IUC. The cheer team attends all home basketball games, as well as some soccer and volleyball games, while also engaging in community outreach activities that help foster school spirit and connection.

The IUC Dance Team is looking ahead to their big competition in March 2025 in New Orleans, marking a significant event for the program. While they are actively engaged in community outreach and attending home basketball games alongside the cheer team, their focus is on preparing for the competition ahead. Like the cheerleading team, the dance team plays a vital role in enhancing the game-day experience and boosting school spirit.

While the fall season may not have resulted in championship titles, it showcased the dedication, character, and potential of IUC's athletes, who are poised for future success. The individual achievements of athletes like Gavin Dowling and Cora Baker, along with the successful hosting of
events like the Crimson Pride Open, highlight the progress the program is making. The foundation
laid this fall, through both individual development and team growth, sets the stage for continued success in the seasons to come.

As the Crimson Pride continues to build momentum, their resilience and determination promise great things ahead for IUC Athletics. However, none of this would be possible without the ongoing support
of the local community. The backing from fans, families, and local organizations has been critical in fueling the teams' growth and development. Whether it's cheering, attending events, or supporting athletes behind the scenes, the community's involvement has played a vital role in creating an atmosphere of encouragement and excitement.

As IUC Athletics moves forward, community support will remain an essential part of the journey. With continued engagement from the community, the Crimson Pride will have the resources and energy needed to build on this season's progress and achieve even greater success in the future. Together,
the athletes, coaches, and supporters will shape a bright future for IUC Athletics.

We can't wait to see what the future holds. We'll see you this spring—let's keep building and growing!

#RollPride