18 BETHELUNIVERSITY.EDU/MAGAZINE For more sports updates and the latest stats, visit the official home of Bethel Pilots at BUpilots.com For more sports updates and the latest stats, visit the official home of Bethel Pilots at BUpilots.com SPORTS UPDATES Mariah Claywell Continued from p. 16 WOMEN’S SWIM & DIVE The Bethel Pilots earned their second consecutive KCAC Conference Championship on February 7, before showcasing a top ten finish (sixth out of 23 teams) at the NAIA National Swimming and Diving Championships, hosted by Bethel at Elkhart Health and Aquatics. Bethel had a plethora of All-American finishes, including freshman Ella Wardle; sophomores Avery Woods, Ella Sherwood, Eliza Nuet and Sarah Graves; juniors Teagan Risher, Aixa Recchioni, Makalynn VanEerden and Lizzie Williams; and senior Jaylyn Harrison. Senior Isabela Nuet was named a Champion of Character at the KCAC Conference Championship, while sophomore Sarah Graves received Champion of Character recognition at NAIA Nationals. MEN’S SWIM & DIVE Senior Owen Fleck highlighted the Bethel Men’s Swim & Dive Team at NAIA Nationals, achieving All-American status in both the 3M (3rd Place) and 1M Dives (4th Place). Fleck was also named a Champion of Character at the KCAC Conference Championship. Freshman Jorge Souto Vilas was named the KCAC Swimmer of the Week on February 3. WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD The Women’s Indoor Track & Field team was highlighted by junior Gabbi Zeilenga and seniors Sophia Sumer and Alecia Parker, who each qualified for the NAIA Indoor National Championships. Zeilenga was named an NAIA All-American in the pole vault (2nd place) and long jump events (7th place), while Parker finished top 15 in the nation for the shotput, and Sumer finished top 20 in the nation for the pole vault. As a team, the Pilots finished runner-up at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field NCCAA National Championship, with Zeilenga earning Field Athlete of the Meet. MEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD At the NAIA Indoor National Track & Field Championships, freshman James Gill placed seventh in the 200m Dash with a time of 21.93 seconds for an All-American Title. A few weeks prior at NCCAA Indoor Nationals, sophomore Lamarr Williams set a new NCCAA Championship meet record in the 60m Dash with a time of 6.77 seconds. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Bethel Women’s Basketball Team had an incredible season from beginning to end. The Pilots began their season with a 5-0 start, a feat not accomplished since 2007-2008, and concluded their season with their first NAIA Tournament appearance since 2013 and their first NCCAA Tournament appearance since 2011. The Pilots finished runner-up at the NCCAA National Tournament, and took home multiple NCCAA North Central Region awards after returning home, including Coach of the Year (Scott Polsgrove), Player of the Year (sophomore Isabel Scales), First Team Recognition (sophomore Olivia Nickerson), and Second Team Recognition (seniors Mariah Claywell and Jazmyn Smith). MEN’S BASKETBALL The Bethel Pilots have been ranked in every NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, with their highest ranking at No. 3 on January 14. The Pilots made an impressive NAIA National run, defeating Life University 75-62 in the first round before falling 85-68 to Georgetown College in the second round. Ranked as the No. 1 NCCAA Tournament Seed, the Pilots took home a top-five finish in the NCCAA National Tournament after defeating Ohio Christian University (86-83) and Clinton College (83-66). Senior Al Peciulis received the NCCAA’s Pete Maravich Award, a Christian character award given to a player who exemplifies love, integrity, faith and excellence. Junior Austin Cripe was named the NCCAA North Central Region Player of the Year and Head Coach Steve Drabyn took home the NCCAA North Central Region Coach of the Year Award. COMPETITIVE CHEER The Bethel Pilots expanded the competitive cheer program to include their first Intermediate Team in school history. The Advanced Team took home a top-five finish at the Crossroads League Championship, with senior Andrew Greene (Tumbler First Team, Back Spot Honorable Mention), senior Payton Elder (Base and Tumbler Honorable Mention), junior Paige Howlerda (Base Honorable Mention), freshman Allison Hoyt (Flyer Honorable Mention), junior Lilee Stetzel (Flyer Honorable Mention) all receiving Crossroads League recognition. - Alexis Wildrick
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