Grove City preps for another year of athletics excellence
By Mia Gallagher · Sports Editor
Welcome back Wolverines sports fans! Coming off a 2024-2025 year of unprecedented athletics success, the Wolverines are prepped to hit the ground running this weekend with a variety of non-conference competitions sure to test their mettle.
With two fall sports teams battling to defend their PAC titles and the Grove City Athletics program looking to clinch its third straight PAC All-Sports Trophy, the stage is set for another great year of competition, sportsmanship and Christian fellowship.
So, before all this great sports action begins, here’s everything you need to know about some of our beloved fall sports teams:
Women’s Soccer
After earning its second straight PAC title last fall in a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Westminster Titans, women’s soccer eagerly awaits the opportunity to solidify their standing atop the PAC. Receiving the top spot in the conference’s preseason coaches’ poll, the squad knows they have a target on their backs and is fully prepared to embrace the adversity that will accompany the match against R.I.T.
Men’s Soccer
Coming off their second consecutive PAC title match appearance, men’s soccer plans to enter this 2025 season with an unmatched intensity and desire to secure a title of their own. With an impressive 12-4-3 record last season setting a precedent for 2025 success, it’s no wonder that the squad earned the No. 1 spot in the coaches’ preseason ranking. Led by Head Coach Mike Dreves and a core of nine seasoned seniors, including 2024 standouts Aidan Eck, Camden Thomas and Matt Herrmann, men’s soccer leaves preseason ready to tackle their daunting 2025 program. The team will open their season at home at 6 p.m. today, Aug. 29 against Eastern Mennonite.
In the midst of that, our goal is always to play the game in such a way that the love of Jesus is immediately evident and ultimately appealing. We want other teams to see that in us, even in the competitive environment we are in. And we always want our players to grow in the game, in their faith and in their relationships with one another. These are lofty goals, but I have confidence that we will reach them,” Head Coach Melissa Lamie said.
With a pack of seasoned veterans paving the way – which includes the 2024 PAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, junior midfielder Tori Stevenson – women’s soccer will definitely be the team to watch. They will open their 2025 program this evening, Aug. 29, with a non-conference match against R.I.T.
Women’s Tennis
Although their run to defend their 2023 title ended with a 3-4 setback against the Franciscan Barons last season, women’s tennis is poised for a commanding showing in 2025. The team, under the direction of newly promoted Head Coach Shea Prins, placed second in the PAC preseason poll and are rearing for the opportunity to unseat the reigning Allegheny Gator champs from their No. 1 ranking.
“It is my hope that the women’s tennis programs find success first and foremost by using our gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. Regardless of the outcomes from a statistical standpoint, if we played to the best of our abilities with heart, grit and grind, glorifying Jesus, then we have ultimately achieved success in my eyes. We also hope to find success by making it to the PAC championships, ultimately overcoming the No. 1 pre-season ranked team, Allegheny, thus earning a spot in the NCAA tournament in May,” Prins said.
With an impressive crop of underclassmen eager to expand upon this program’s legacy, women’s tennis may become PAC champs once again. The journey towards this coveted title begins tomorrow, Aug. 30 at home against John Carroll.
Cross Country
After the Wolverines swept the indoor and outdoor track and field titles last year, the men’s and women’s cross country teams now await their chance to earn a PAC trophy of their own. While preseason PAC rankings have yet to be released, the teams’ dominant performance last year should be an indicator of the success to come.
“The team is in great shape and continuing to get stronger; we’re looking forward to competing against some very good teams as we prepare for the post-season. I want our athletes to stay in the moment and fixate on the process. While we have long-term goals we’re excited about, we’ll reach them by being successful with the small things one day at a time,” Head Coach Paul Collier said.
Women’s Volleyball
After facing a tough schedule in 2024, women’s volleyball looks to re-establish itself among the PAC elite in this history-making season for the conference. With Hiram College’s membership in the PAC solidified, the conference has elected to split its 12 volleyball programs into two divisions which will compete in a reimagined end-of-season tournament.
The Wolverines, under the guidance of Head Coach Leo, are ready to take on any challenges ‘PAC’tion has in store. They will open their 2025 program this afternoon, Aug. 29 and tomorrow, Aug. 30 in Gettysburg, Pa. with matches against Dickinson, Neumann and Shenandoah.
With a talented core of seniors – including Caleb Hawke, Jacob Colbert, Sydney Anderson and Audrey Karwowski – leading the way, the team will begin its 2025 program Thursday, Sept. 4 at the West Liberty Invitational.
