By Matthew Purucker · Editor-in-Chief
It is not an exaggeration to say Noah Wheeler was excellent on the field for the Grove City College football team last season.
The junior cornerback flew around the secondary, locking down opposing wide receivers game in and game out. Wheeler had four interceptions, critical in a defense that had 26 total, the most among all NCAA Division III teams.
“When we say play fast, there’s guys who truly understand what we’re trying to do. They just know our system,” Grove City football coach Andrew DiDonato said. “Free, though, is that they are allowed to be creative within that system. So, they know their assignment, but they also have a feel for the game. … And then they play full. They play with joy.”
Wheeler began his sophomore season with an electric performance. His two interceptions, including a game-changing pick-six to start the second half, propelled Grove City to a first-week upset at Cortland, the 2023 national champion.
“And Noah Wheeler plays fast, full and free, and that’s why he’s such a special player,” DiDonato said.
Wheeler’s return of a blocked field goal for a touchdown against Waynesburg during the homecoming game also solidified a crucial victory.
But the D3football.com preseason All-American’s excellence extends beyond playing football.
“Everyone sees his contributions on the field, the interceptions, but he’s a spiritual leader for us,” DiDonato said. “He’s strong in his faith. He’s strong academically. Socially, the guys love him. So, I just say this: he’s not only a model on the field; he’s a model of all four parts of our vision, and that’s what makes him special.”
Men’s Soccer: Noah Gray
Then-junior midfielder Noah Gray scored 14 goals and tallied seven assists to lead Grove City to claim its second-ever PAC Men’s Soccer title, its first since 2005.
Gray received PAC Offensive Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-American second-team honors for his efforts and may be the focal point of the Wolverine attack once again in his senior season.
Gray has 24 career goals, eight of which were game winners.
Women’s Soccer: Tori Stevenson
Senior midfielder Tori Stevenson has been a critical piece of Grove City’s attack for the last three years, including a 16-goal junior season that earned her the PAC Offensive Player of the Year award.
Stevenson powered the Wolverines to their third straight conference championship last season, and the 2025 USC All-Region honoree will seek another strong year in 2026.
“She (is) very productive in terms of goal scoring but also in terms of creating a lot of things for us offensively,” Grove City women’s soccer coach Melissa Lamie said in an athletic department video Monday.
Note: Stevenson scored three goals and assisted another in Grove City’s 4-4 tie against Penn State-Behrend Tuesday.
Women’s Volleyball: Sarah Hart
Senior outside hitter Sarah Hart recorded a team-high 388 kills (3.56 kills per set) in her first year with the team. Hart was essential in Grove City’s first PAC Women’s Volleyball title win since 2001.
Hart also earned All-PAC First Team and PAC All-Tournament Team honors and led conference outside hitters with a .292 hitting percentage.
