Bethel Basketball Game Raises Funds for Local Teen with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Bethel University’s men’s basketball team played Indiana University South Bend in a special charity game on Sat., Nov. 9, 2024. Half of the proceeds from ticket sales went toward supporting Ella Hunt, a local teen who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) as an infant. Due to her condition, Ella has lost all muscle control and is unable to move, swallow or breathe on her own. Her mind is not affected and she has typical teenage dreams and goals, inspiring others through her positive outlook on life. A check for $1,863 was presented at the game, and $2,300 in total was raised to help the family with medical needs. You can learn more about Ella’s story on her Facebook page, @EllaLanayHunt. The entire event, from start to finish, was planned and organized by Bethel’s Administration and Organization class, taught by Kiel Boynton, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology. The class voted to have Ella as the beneficiary. Her family is well connected to Bethel: her brother Noah graduated in 2024, and her brother Carter is a current freshman.

Women’s Tennis
For the first time in program history, the Women’s Tennis team won the Crossroads League Tournament and Regular Season titles, ending Indiana Wesleyan’s 33-year streak. Bethel ended with a 12-0 record and 8-0 in the Crossroads League, with a trip to the NAIA National Tournament set for May 13-17 at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala.

Men’s Tennis
The Men’s Tennis team finished the fall with a 6-5 record and 4-4 in Crossroads League play. After defeating Goshen College 5-2 in the Crossroads League Quarterfinal, Bethel was swept 4-0 by Grace College in the Semi-Final. Bethel also nearly upset No. 24 Marian at home 4-3 on Sept. 26 and pulled off a quality victory over Indiana Wesleyan 4-3 at home.

Men’s Soccer
In the final NAIA Coaches Poll, the Men’s Soccer team was ranked No. 13 after a tough 5-4 record in the Crossroads League season and 13-6-2 overall record. After an early loss in the Crossroads League Tournament Quarterfinal to Marian 3-2, the Pilots overcame No. 17 Indiana Tech at Morey Field in the NAIA Second Round. They went on to the NAIA Final Site for the third consecutive season, and ended with a loss to the NAIA Runner-Up, No. 5 William Penn, 3-1 in Wichita, Kan.

Women’s Soccer
The Women’s Soccer team ended their season with a 7-7-7 record and 0-4-5 in the Crossroads League. The team lost to No. 11 Spring Arbor in the Crossroads League Quarterfinal 6-0, then lost to Trinity Christian 3-0 in the NCCAA North-Central Regional Championship, but made the NCCAA National Tournament off an at-large bid. Bethel defeated Asbury (Ky.) 1-0 and tied Judson 1-1 in Pool A, but lost the tie breaker to return to the NCCAA National Championship game.

Women’s Golf
The Women’s Golf team fell short of a four-peat of the NCCAA National Championship in Palm Coast, Fla. at the Hammock Beach Resort Beach Course. Selah Unwin and Aynslee Myer were named All American Team. Bethel won the LTU Collegiate Kickoff, Battle at Blackthorn, NCCAA North-Central Regional Championship, Rumble at the Rock and Eternal Joy Match Play Series. The Pilots took runner-up at the Stonehenge Invitational and the Saints Classic. The team will compete to make the NAIA Championship in the Spring.

Men’s Golf
The Men’s Golf team took a runner-up finish at the NCCAA National Championship at the Hammock Beach Resort Conservatory Course in Palm Coast, Fla., winning five of six tournaments leading up to it. Janah Kumfer and Earl Williams were named All Americans. The Pilots took runner-up at the Egypt Valley Invitational.

Kenzy Abdelaal
Victor Bonsergent
Piero Sabroso
Karisa Dyer
Maddy Payne
Jameir Jefferson
Men’s Cross Country


Men’s Cross Country
The Men’s Cross Country team placed sixth of eleven teams at the NCCAA National Championship and ninth at the Crossroads League Championship.

Women’s Cross Country
The Women’s Cross Country team placed seventh of eleven teams at the NCCAA National Championship and ninth at the Crossroads League Championship.

Women’s Volleyball
The Women’s Volleyball team, under the direction of first-year Head Coach and Bethel Volleyball alumna Erica Dregitz, finished the season 21-18 and 8-10 in the Crossroads League. Bethel lost to the Grace Lancers 3-1 in the Crossroads League Quarterfinal, but swept Judson in the NCCAA North-Central Regional Championship. The Pilots swept MACU (Okla.) and Carolina University but lost 3-0 to Columbia International to move on to the NCCAA National Tournament Semifinal, where Jessup (Calif.) swept BU.

Men’s Bowling
The Men’s Bowling team placed eighth at the Crossroads League Championship at Signature Lanes in Goshen, Ind.

Women’s Bowling
The Women’s Bowling team placed eighth in the Crossroads League Championship at Signature Lanes in Goshen, Ind.

Men’s Basketball
The Men’s Basketball team made it to the NAIA Round of 16 in Kansas City and forced overtime with a big Preston Phillips three from inside half court but fell to LSU-Alexandria in a tough game. The Pilots hosted the NAIA first and second rounds in the Gates Gymnasium for the first time in program history and won both games to advance. The Pilots ended the season with a 24-9 overall record and 14-4 in the Crossroads League.

Women’s Basketball
The Women’s Basketball team ended their season with a 13-16 record and 6-12 in the Crossroads League to improve since head coach Scott Polsgrove took the helm of the program. The Pilots made the Crossroads League Tournament and ended the season in the Quarterfinal with a 75-58 loss to No. 9 Saint Francis (Ind.).

For more sports updates and the latest stats, visit the official home of Bethel Pilots at BUpilots.com.