In the 2023 fall season, Muhlenberg athletes clinched some incredible successes on and off the fields, courts and courses. These successes were not strictly statistical and many extended to include all of the positive experiences these athletes had while playing the sports they love. Many seniors participated in their final competitions, while several first-years kick-started their next four exciting years as Mules. Senior athletes from each fall team have elaborated on what this fall season meant to them and their programs.
The volleyball team had a fantastic season, making conference playoffs and ending with an impressive 8-3 home record– two more home wins than last year and the most wins the program has had in five years. The team’s time spent building chemistry and preparing during pre-season definitely had a positive impact on their play. This is evident in that for the first time in program history, one of their own players, Alyssa Faville ‘24, was named Centennial Conference (CC) volleyball defensive player of the year in addition to first team All-CC. Captain Julia Ficon ‘24 elaborated on the team’s overall experience, “I would say that a some of our major successes were having a great opening weekend in Virginia and splitting matches with really competitive teams, beating Dickinson for the first time in four years to get into playoffs and finally taking a set from Franklin and Marshall which was the first time we had done that in my four years. A special moment would also be having our potluck meals for Saturday games with all of our friends and family.”
The field hockey team gave consistent effort and energy all season, falling short only one goal from making conference playoffs in double overtime against Dickinson College. Two-year Captain Taylor Canfield ‘24 stated, “This season we really connected as a team, we had the most goals since 2016 as well as our longest win streak and wins since 2019.” They have made sure to focus in on these accomplishments to remind themselves of how far they have come and how far they can go. Amongst the program’s exciting successes includes the accolades of Erin Disandro ‘26 (first team All-CC and second team All-Region) and Abigail Diglio ‘26 (second team All-CC) who ended the season at the CC’s two top leading scorers.
The women’s and men’s cross country teams placed top ten in a total of six meets throughout the fall season and accomplished their goals of placing higher in the region than they did last year. Captain Caitlin Kinnear ‘24 speaks to this culminating experience, “The cross country season went really well this year. Going into the season, we wanted to place higher in the region than we did last year, as well as beat our own personal times. Both of these goals were met as we improved by two places and most of our athletes had at least one personal best this season.” Along the way, the program made many memories and developed memorable team chemistry. Kinnear continues, “A good season memory was competing at McDaniel, which was our overnight meet in Maryland. It was a very difficult course, which helped us to improve on our endurance and work hard together. It brought us to be proud of each other for just completing the race given the course, and the trip gave us a good opportunity to spend time with each other and to bond as a team.” Many of these cross country athletes will extend their hard work and talent throughout the winter and spring track seasons and with lots of young talent they have high expectations going forward.
The women’s soccer team welcomed their brand new head coach, Kathy Prescott, at the end of last April. This transition served to provide the women’s soccer team with an enjoyable, memorable and competitive fall season. Their team motto “No Fear” served as a catalyst in the visible progress made not only on the field but within the program’s culture– raising prior standards and setting high goals for the future of the Muhlenberg women’s soccer. 2023 All-CC honorable mention and Captain, Casie Burke ‘24, gave testament to this upwards climb. “From my perspective, our season was exceptionally positive. Not only did our stats improve, but fans noted a transformative shift in our team dynamics. From our first scrimmages, marked by exceptional goal-scoring, to a triumphant season opener, we truly began to look like a team that wanted to win at any cost. Although we had a better season than last year, I recognize that there is still room for improvement and that is what excited me. The arrival of the new coach sparked a collective fire within us, which was evident throughout the season. While I will undoubtedly miss playing this sport, I am happy to have concluded this chapter of my life with such amazing people and look forward to what Muhlenberg Women’s Soccer has instore for us next season!”
In 2022, the Muhlenberg men’s soccer team took home the CC Championsip. Following that, they entered the 2023 season ranked 22nd nationally. With competition increasing each season, the men knew they had to continue raising their standards. This increased work ethic earned them a spot in conference playoffs and yet another conference championship game this past season. Although they fell short of the title by one goal, they found successes in many corners of the season. Captain Zack Mikuta ‘24 explained, “Although the season ended in some disappointment, I’m proud of all the guys for giving a proper title defense. We improved both our overall record and our in-conference record and had six guys get all-conference honors. In terms of a special memory, it has to be beating F&M in the CC playoff at their home field for the second year in a row. That was one of our best team performances and it gave us a chance to win back-to-back conference titles.” For the first time since 2014, four of the program’s players received All-region Recognition from United Soccer Coaches and six were named to the All-CC team. Among those players is defender Sam Roberts ‘27, the second player in program history, to also receive CC rookie of the year–Richards being the first in 2019.
“Dig in” is one of the many mottos of the Muhlenberg football program. This season, they embodied it in more ways than one. The Muhlenberg football team remained in the national spotlight this season earning a 10-1 overall record, winning the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series game, and ending with a national ranking of 22 in Division III football.. Unfortunately, the team fell short of earning the championship title this season in the last two minutes of their game against #7 Johns Hopkins University. Captain, and 2023 All-CC first-team left tackle, Zachary Greenberg ‘24 gave insight into the journey. “Responding to our 2022 season with our performance in 2023 is what fueled us this entire off-season and throughout the fall season. Having a down year in 2022 at 7-4 is something that left a bitter taste in our mouths and pushed us the extra mile in every aspect this season. Although we fell short of our ultimate goal, a [CC] championship, we were fortunate enough to have another postseason victory, which has been a standard here at Muhlenberg for many years. Entering next season, we know what it takes to get that 10th regular season victory, ensuring playoff berth, and will drive us every step when preparing for next season. We are fortunate to have the best strength coach in the country, DT, who puts in tireless amounts of effort to make us bigger, faster, stronger. We will return necessary pieces to our offense, three of five offensive lineman, our entire receiver and running back room and the best quarterback in the country. We have the pleasure of returning necessary pieces of our defense, and allow for younger guys to step up in places needed, considering we return our defensive line, safety and many other players who have experience and are ready to contribute right away. We have huge goals for our 2024 season, with our eyes on winning the Conference Championship and then what comes after that.” It comes to no surprise that 14 of the players received all conference recognition and among those players being quarterback Joe Repetti ‘25, who also received 2023 CC offensive player of the year.
Another fall season is in the books for Muhlenberg athletics, and therefore there is a lot to be grateful for. Muhlenberg athletes could not obtain these successes without the support of administration, coaches, athletic trainers, fans, faculty, staff and volunteers. Let’s carry this mulementum forward into the winter and spring seasons!
