Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the September issue of The Mustang Connection.
The Master’s University Athletic Department is once again expected to compete for multiple Golden State Athletic Conference titles and berths into NAIA national tournaments this school year. As always, you can find the latest stats, scores and schedules at gomustangs.com Here’s a snapshot of what to expect from each of TMU’s 17 intercollegiate athletic teams this year.
The Mustangs have won 11 straight GSAC titles, which is tied for the most consecutive conference crowns for any GSAC team, across all sports. Master’s entered the 2021 season ranked 14th in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
Brint Laubach
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TMU is coming off its second-ever GSAC title and is looking to win back-to-back GSAC championships for the first time in program history. Master’s began the season ranked 15th in the NAIA.
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A painful ending at last season’s GSAC Championships, falling one stroke short of the title, has reigning GSAC Coach of the Year Jacob Hicks and his No. 21-ranked squad motivated heading into the year.
Josh Kehl
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TMU returns the entire roster from its inaugural 2020-21 season. The Mustangs also added a pair of incoming freshmen who should help the team take a step forward in year two.
Sierra Pilgrim
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After an injury-plagued spring 2021 season, TMU hopes to stay healthy this fall and compete for a spot in the GSAC Tournament. The Mustangs were picked to finish seventh in the GSAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
Key Returners
Aidan Rohde
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TMU fielded a young squad last season. That group gained valuable experience and is ready to contend in the GSAC. The Mustangs were picked fourth in the GSAC Coaches’ Preseason Poll and they received votes in preseason national rankings.
Payton Williams
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Coming off a GSAC East Division title, the Mustangs began the 2021 season receiving votes in the NAIA’s preseason poll. And with reigning GSAC Co-Coach of the Year Annett Davis entering her second season, TMU was predicted by conference coaches to finish second in the GSAC.
Emilye Grace Williams
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Master’s has added the first male diver in program history, and the team returns all but one swimmer from a season ago. So, with its combination of returners and talented newcomers (some of whom hold personal-best times that would set TMU records), the Mustangs continue to take steps toward becoming a top program.
Spencer Grubb
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The Mustangs welcomed 11 new athletes to campus this fall as the program continues to expand entering its fourth season. TMU graduated only two seniors in May, so with the experience from last year, Master’s should continue to trend in the right direction.
Simone Williams
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Despite a young team, which at times started three freshmen, TMU surpassed 20 wins for the fifth straight season in 2020-21. The Mustangs didn’t graduate any seniors, so they’re expected to compete once again for a GSAC title.
Kaleb Lowery.
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The Mustangs enter the Lisa Zamroz era, as the former Mustang point guard takes over as head coach. Zamroz inherits a talented roster, one that is expected to once again challenge for a GSAC title.
Rebekah Throns
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In May, after narrowly missing out on winning a GSAC East Division title, TMU graduated a record number of players. Nevertheless, Coach Monte Brooks has reloaded his roster for what appears to be a promising 2022 season.
Will Batz
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TMU’s program has continued to grow, particularly in field events like the long jump and pole vault. Those events will now benefit from a new on-campus practice area. Overall, TMU track and field hopes to compete for multiple conference individual titles and high finishes at NAIA nationals.
Wes Methum
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A relatively young TMU squad impressed at last season’s conference and national championships. After graduating only two athletes, the Mustangs hope to build on those successes.
Arianna Ghiorso
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Entering its third season, TMU has added several new players after graduating its top pairing from a year ago. After finishing middle of the pack in the conference in 2021, Master’s hopes to take the next step and join the GSAC’s top teams.
Kasie Spencer
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The combination of a strong recruiting class and a talented group of returners has positioned the Mustangs to continue climbing toward the top of the GSAC in the program’s third year.
Brandon Botdorf
To learn more about TMU Athletics, visit gomustangs.com.
