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Generals' Club 2025-2026

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2025-2026 CLUB


the starting

LINEUP

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men’s cross country Sam Daunt ’28 equestrian Elisabeth Marek ’26 wrestling Evan Lindner ’26 women’s indoor track & field Bailey Hedgemon ’26

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men’s basketball A.J. Thomas ’26 women’s lacrosse Ciara Smith ’27 volleyball Emery Goerig ’26 baseball Alex Caywood ’29

| 6 Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Indoor Track & Field, Men’s Golf | 12 Q&A with Coach Gyscek | 16 Football, Men’s Soccer, Field Hockey, Women’s Basketball | 22 Women’s Swimming, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Lacrosse, Women’s Outdoor Track & Field | 24 Q&A with Coach Wills | 30 Men’s Outdoor Track & Field, Women’s Golf, Men’s Swimming, Women’s Tennis | 32 Data Digest


“You can’t have the fruits without the roots.” Someone recently asked me what makes Washington and Lee University’s sports teams so good every year. While there are numerous reasons for our successes, one inspiring reason is we care about how we do what we do, meaning we are intentional about every aspect of who we are and what we will become as we strive to be our best. Being your best takes time. It comes from cultivating a journey of slow, deliberate growth and improvement. There’s nothing magical or hurried about it. Champions understand that becoming your best is a process that requires persistence, commitment and patience for them to master themselves and their sport. A wise friend once reminded me, “You can’t have the fruits without the roots.” At W&L, we believe that. We know the commitment and dedication it requires to grow solid roots, and we devote ourselves to creating programs and developing cultures that allow student-athletes to realize the fruits of their hard, purposeful work. And while there will undoubtedly be highs and lows, wins and losses, triumphs and hardship, we know that when we are rooted in our values and purpose, we will stand the test of time and produce the fruits of success year in and year out. You can sustain our student-athletes in their efforts and help them achieve at the highest levels by becoming a member of the Generals’ Club. When you join us, you’ll ensure a future entrenched in growth and development that will bear fruit for many years to come.

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Janine M. Hathorn, Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics

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With deepest gratitude,

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Washington and Lee


men’s

CROSS CO T

he W&L men’s cross country team enjoyed one of its most successful championship seasons in the fall of 2025, starting with winning the ODAC Championship. Sam Daunt ’28 and Robert Cooper ’27 came in first and second, respectively, with Keaton Rush ’26 joining them on the All-ODAC First Team with a fifth-place finish. The Generals then went on to win the NCAA South Regional Championship for the second time in program history, before placing 20th at the national meet, their best-ever finish at the event. Led by ODAC Coach of the Year and USTFCCCA South Region Coach of the Year Brandon Spalding, Cooper, Daunt and Rush added All-Region citations for their seasons, along with William Dunaway ’27, Thomas Franklin ’27 and Jackson Kodenski ’27. Generals’ Club

Sam Daunt ’28, Distance


COUNTRY “

What has surprised me most about being a W&L student-athlete is how this program’s culture extends across generations. Seeing alumni return to support us at races has reinforced that the program is bigger than any one season or team. Along with my teammates and coaches, they have shown me what it means to invest in something bigger than myself. I hope to carry that tradition forward by supporting the runners who come after me.”

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EQUESTR U

nder the direction of firstyear head coach Chris Mitchell, the W&L riding team placed first outright at one show this season and tied for first at two others after taking third place at the ODAC Championship in October. Kaycie Miranda ’29 and Eva Lunn ’28 paced the Generals’ efforts at the conference championship, with Miranda taking second and ODAC Rookie of the Year honors, followed by Lunn in fourth overall. During spring competition, Samantha Bourque ’29 led the Generals to a third-place showing at IHSA Regionals by winning the intermediate flat title to advance to the IHSA Zone 4 Championships, where she and Lydia Bowersox ’26 capped off the team’s season.

Generals’ Club


RIAN

Elisabeth Marek ’26, Open Division

In the saddle: Elisabeth Marek ’26 How has being a student-athlete shaped the person you’ve become beyond your athletic accomplishments? Being a student-athlete has taught me how to manage pressure, adapt quickly and be part of something bigger than my own individual performance. Who had the greatest impact on your journey at W&L, and what did they teach you? My coaches and professors had the greatest impact on my journey at W&L because they challenged me to grow while also making me feel supported. They taught me to work hard, stay open to feedback and trust that growth often happens in the moments that feel most uncomfortable. Lexington became home for four years. What are the places, traditions or experiences you’ll miss most? I think I realized how much I loved Lexington when I was home in Houston for my first break and accidentally said I wanted to go “home” to Lexington in front of my parents. Needless to say, they weren’t too happy about that one. Now that I am back living in Houston, I miss the small-town feel, the Speaking Tradition and, of course, the landscape.

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women’s

CROSS COUNTRY Coming off winning the triple crown for the 2024-25 year, women’s cross country repeated as ODAC champions, took second at the NCAA Division III South Regional Meet and came in 15th at the NCAA. The Generals collected three ODAC major awards, with Olivia Warr ’27 as the Runner of the Year, Lydia Harvey ’27 winning Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Mike Dager being voted Coach of the Year. Warr, Harvey, Maddy Morgan ’29, Eve Spencer ’26 and Reese Brown ’27 led 11 AllODAC runners with first-team laurels, with those five, Josie Engle ’29 and Adelaide Ellis ’29 later adding All-Region citations. Warr also earned USTFCCCA South Region Runner of the Year honors before she placed fourth at the national meet, the best finish for an individual in program history.

Adelaide Ellis ’29, Distance

women’s

SOCCER W&L women’s soccer had a banner season that saw the Generals go 18-2-3 overall and record their second straight 10-0 season in conference play. W&L won the ODAC Tournament title for a second straight year before appearing in a second consecutive NCAA Round of 16 game. Sarah Zimmerman ’26 spearheaded the team’s efforts both on and off the pitch, picking up ODAC Player of the Year, ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, First Team All-Region, Sydney Devory ’26, First Team AllDefense America and First Team Academic All-America recognition. The Generals swept the ODAC major awards this season, as Bryn Bissinger ’26 (Third Team All-America) was named the Defensive Player of the Year, Mary Parrish Green ’29 earned Rookie of the Year, and head coach Tiffany Pins received Coach of the Year laurels.


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men’s indoor

men’s

During indoor track & field season, the Generals took second at the conference championship meet behind 10 All-ODAC performances. Macky Gartley ’29 (60-meter hurdles), Evan Langhammer ’26 (pole vault) and DJ McDonough ’29 (800-meter) were crowned individual event champions to receive First Team All-ODAC honors, with Gartley adding the Rookie of the Year award and Keaton Rush ’26 winning ODAC ScholarAthlete of the Year. Gartley’s effort at the conference meet qualified him for the NCAA Championship, where he earned Second Team All-America honors in the 60-meter hurdles. W&L set five program event records throughout the season, while Gartley and nine of his teammates combined to collect 13 USTFCCCA All-Region citations.

Generals men’s golf coupled a second-place showing at the ODAC Championship this season with a tied-for-sixth effort at the NCAA Division III Championship in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. Jonathan McEwen ’27 led the way once again, claiming the ODAC individual championship, ODAC Golfer of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards and the 2026 Division III Jack Nicklaus Award (Player of the Year) after a second-place individual finish at the NCAA Championship. Guided by 2026 ODAC Coach of the Year Pete Gyscek, McEwen was joined on the All-ODAC First Team and PING All-Region Team by Tim Kaufman ’28, who tied for third place at the NCAA Championship, while Charlie Krasnewich ’28 collected All-ODAC Second Team laurels.

TRACK & FIELD

GOLF

Tim Kaufman ’28 Leo Avigliano ’27, Throws


WRESTLI T he W&L wrestling team produced a 9-5 dual-match record during

the season before taking second

place at the ODAC Tournament. Vincent

Ziccardi ’26 (133 lbs), Skyler Hickman ’27 (141 lbs), Evan Lindner ’26 (149 lbs), Liam Flanagan ’28 (157 lbs) and Carter Stack ’28 (285 lbs) all won their weight classes at the conference tournament to secure First Team All-ODAC honors, with Flanagan’s efforts gaining him ODAC Wrestler of the Year recognition. Flanagan and Stack went on to win their weight classes at the regional tournament, with Hickman, Lindner and Ziccardi joining in as national qualifiers, to lead W&L to a fourth-place regional finish. Flanagan captured All-America honors with a sixthplace finish at the national championship. Generals’ Club


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What’s Next?

EVAN LINDNER ’26 shares his plans for the next chapter.

“After graduation, I started my career in accounting at a Big Four firm while serving as a signal officer in the Army National Guard. Reflecting on my experience, Washington and Lee gave me more than a degree. It gave me a community that believed in me and challenged me to become the best version of myself. Through ROTC, wrestling and the classroom, I was surrounded by people who pushed me to grow while always offering support. The university also gave me the flexibility to explore different interests without compromising its standard of excellence, allowing me to discover the path

Evan Lindner ’26, 149 lbs

that best fits my goals. The experiences and relationships I gained here have prepared me to take on whatever challenges lie ahead with confidence. I am excited to carry those lessons with me as I begin the next chapter of my life.”

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women’s indoor

TRACK & I

ndoor track & field season was as strong as ever for the Generals, as they won their second straight ODAC indoor title behind six-event championship efforts and 22 All-ODAC finishes. Olivia Warr ’27 earned Track Athlete of the Meet honors, Dana Freeman was named Coach of the Year, and Camille Gillum ’26 was voted Scholar-Athlete of the Year, before another 18 USTFCCCA All-Region citations poured in for the program. Among the regional honorees were Bailey Hedgemon ’26 as Field Athlete of the Year and Aron Gibson as Assistant Coach of the Year. Hedgemon later secured First Team All-America laurels at the national championship in the weight throw, while Jesma Evans ’26 (400-meter) and Gillum (high jump) had Second Team All-America finishes on the national stage.

Generals’ Club


& FIELD A letter to my rookie self Dear Bailey, The road ahead of you will be long but worth every minute. Remember to keep your friends close and enjoy your time together because nothing is better than celebrating life’s moments with your track besties. They will become some of your biggest supporters and the people who make even the hardest days better. You will have to overcome injuries and not-so-good days, but remember that every ache and pain is for the better because one day you will be able to stand on a podium you only dreamed about. There will be tough practices, stressful classes and moments when you wonder if you can do it all, but you can. The only advice I could give you is to put your all into everything you do because it pays off in the end, whether it’s at practice, in the classroom or in your life. Trust yourself, enjoy the journey and never take these four years for granted.

Bailey Hedgemon ’26, Throws

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QA

Pete Gyscek

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men’s golf

What do you hope your student-athletes carry with them long after they leave Washington and Lee?

Years at W&L: 15 seasons (2011-present)

Our “alumni factor” is top in the country. I want them to cherish this fact and become those same alumni in the future.

Hometown: Hyde Park, New York

Alma Mater: Niagara University, Class of 1985 Regular Season Tournament Titles: 10

In your view, what makes the Washington and Lee student-athlete experience unique?

Conference Championships: Men’s – 2 (2016 and 2019)

Our players are both students and athletes at the highest level. We encourage them to become involved in every aspect of campus life, all while dedicating themselves to improvement in school and sport.

Women’s – 3 (2015, 2018 and 2019), 5 total ODAC championships National Success: 1 NCAA individual national champion (2018)

Looking back on this season, what accomplishments best reflect the progress of your program, and what gives you confidence about where it is headed next?

3 top-4 finishes at NCAA national championships

I have some of the hardest workers on campus. They understand the goal, value of preparation and have fun accomplishing it. Our best seasons are still ahead. What an honor to be part of the journey.

1 National Runner-up (2018) 14 straight All-American Academic Teams Favorite W&L Tradition: The Speaking Tradition

Generals’ Club


Coach Highlight

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FOOTBALL Generals football notched a 7-4 overall record in the fall of 2025 and produced a 6-2 ODAC record to qualify for the Cape Charles Bowl, the program’s third consecutive appearance in a Chesapeake Challenge bowl game. They went on to defeat Lycoming, 14-12, in the Cape Charles Bowl behind the efforts of their 13 All-ODAC players. Of those 13, Will Knight ’26 and Wesley Howenstein ’27 made the first team, with Howenstein adding ODAC Lineman of the Year laurels. Howenstein, a D3football.com All-Region First Team blocker, also paved the way for the emergence of Ryan Clemens ’29, who averaged nearly 180 rush yards per game over the final five games of the season to claim D3football. com All-Region Second Team accolades.

Israel Rivers ’27, Defensive Line

men’s

SOCCER The men’s soccer team produced an 11-5-5 overall record this season, while going 7-1-1 in ODAC play and 7-1-3 on the home pitch. The team appeared in its fourth straight ODAC title game and received an at-large bid into the NCAA playoffs before a first-round exit against No. 25 Denison. It marked the program’s 10th consecutive appearance in the national tournament. Six players earned All-ODAC honors, four of which were first-team selections, while Buster Couhig ’26, Willy Hall ’26, Will Joseph ’26, Spencer Furman ’27 and Matthew Jenkins ’27 claimed United Soccer Coaches All-Region recognition.

Justin Ceccanecchio ’28, Midfield


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FIELD HOCKEY The W&L field hockey team made its 12th consecutive appearance in an ODAC semifinal game in the fall of 2025, concluding the season with an overall record of 14-5 to go along with a 7-1 ODAC record and 8-0 mark at home. The team collected eight All-ODAC citations, led by Sydney Baggett ’26, Margaret Scheurer ’28 and Madeline Lancione ’29 on the first team, while those three players were joined as NFHCA All-Region performers by Betty Boatwright ’26, Julia McDonald ’26 and Zoe Dolfis ’27. Lancione and Scheurer were First Team All-Region honorees.

Margaret Cover ’27, Forward

women’s

BASKETBALL Generals women’s basketball had the most successful season in program history this year, as the team won each of its first 31 games ahead of making it to the national quarterfinals for the second time in program history. The team captured its third ODAC title in the last four years, while Mary Schleusner ’26 capped off a historic career by earning National Player of the Year recognition from D3hoops.com and the 2026 Jostens Trophy. Schleusner won her fourth straight ODAC Defensive Player of the Year award, third consecutive ODAC Player of the Year and set all-time Division III records for career rebounds (1,992) and double-doubles (97). Head coach Brittney Kemp picked up ODAC and Regional Coach of the Year honors, and Schleusner was joined as an All-ODAC player by Quinn McGuinness ’26 and Sarah Zimmerman ’26.

Sam Collins ’29, Guard


men’s

BASKETB T

he W&L men’s basketball team bounced back from a down year in 2024-25 to notch a 17-9 overall record in 2025-26, which included a 9-7 record in ODAC play and an 8-3 record on the home court. The season began with a preseason tune-up at Division I James Madison, before the Blue and White won its first six games of the regular season and 10 of its first 11. The Generals were well-represented on the All-ODAC teams, as Connor Amorosi ’28 made the first team and Colin Ryan ’26 made the third team. Ryan was also selected as the ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while Addison Newkirk ’29 made it back-to-back seasons in which W&L has had the ODAC Rookie of the Year.

Generals’ Club


A letter to my rookie self

BALL

Dear First-Year A.J., Congrats on making it this far. Not everyone is afforded the same opportunity, and there’s a lot to be proud of. Enjoy every second of it; it’s crazy how fleeting time is. From practicing every day, going to war with your best friends and living for the roar of the crowd after a big play, I can’t believe I’m now writing this to you from the cubicle of my corporate America job. Enjoy the journey. Coach McHugh is going to talk your ear off about that, so be ready. Every team meal, post-practice locker room conversation, hangouts with other teams, group projects and late-night talks in the dorms — everything that makes W&L the best university ever — savor it. It’ll be the best four years of your life and open doors you never thought could be opened. Make the most of it and have fun! Also, brush up on your coaching skills ... they might come in handy at some point.

A.J. Thomas ’26, Guard

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women’s

LACROSS T

he W&L women’s lacrosse team posted a 15-5 record in 2026 and won the ODAC Tournament Championship for a 16th consecutive season. Behind an 8-0 record in conference play and a 10-2 record at home, the Generals made their 25th all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament and earned hosting rights for the opening weekend. Iman Haddad ’26 headlined W&L’s AllODAC honorees as the Defensive Player of the Year, and she was joined on the all-conference first team by Lara Baki ’28, Betty Boatwright ’26, Emma Marsh ’26, Dagny Tombaugh ’28 and Hannah Van Son ’27. Baki, Boatwright, Haddad, Tombaugh and Van Son also made the IWLCA All-Region teams, with Baki, Tombaugh, Van Son and Kelly Polacek ’28 adding All-America honors to finish the year. Generals’ Club


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Being a part of the women’s lacrosse team at Washington and Lee has given me the most supportive community, incredible teammates and lifelong friends. As a Generals student-athlete, I have had the privilege of being surrounded by people who encourage me to be a hardworking player on the field, a dedicated student in the classroom and a kinder person in the world. My experience as a General has taught me the importance of seeking out and contributing to supportive communities like this in every part of my life.” Ciara Smith ’27, Defense

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women’s

men’s

SWIMMING Generals produced its fifth consecutive ODAC title at the conference meet on the strength of nine event wins and 17 All-ODAC citations. Of those honorees, Sophia Brame-Goldthwaite ’29, Celia Bredehoeft ’28, Julia Connor ’29, Maria Jellig ’26, Peighton Kruzel ’28 and Morgan Smith ’26 swam onto the All-ODAC First Team. Paige McBoyle ’26, who landed on the All-ODAC Third Team for her fifth-place finish in the 200-yard breaststroke, was voted the ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Jellig’s strong performance qualified her for the NCAA Championship, where she raced to a 31st-place finish in the 200-yard backstroke in a time of 2:03.71.

TENNIS Emersyn Monackey ’29, Butterfly

The W&L men’s tennis team reclaimed its spot atop the ODAC this season, as an 8-0 conference record in the regular season preceded the 43rd conference tournament title in program history. The Generals went 12-11 overall this season despite a gauntlet of ranked non-conference opponents and made their 31st appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament in program history. Henry Imorde ’29 and head coach David Detwiler led the way during awards season, with Imorde earning ODAC Rookie of the Year honors and Detwiler being named Coach of the Year. In total, the Generals collected 10 All-ODAC citations, with Imorde, Heys Parker ’27, Sanjheev Rao ’27 and Sahil Arora ’28 all making an All-ODAC singles and doubles team.

Todd Cannaliato ’29, No. 3 Singles


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men’s

women’s outdoor

LACROSSE The men’s lacrosse Class of 2026 capped off the winningest four-year stretch in program history by winning the ODAC Championship for a third time in the last four years and second straight season, while going 16-6 overall and 9-1 in conference play. The team advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship Round of 16 for a fourth straight season and saw 11 players named to All-ODAC teams. Chris Datz ’26 and Luke Caldwell ’29 headlined as the Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Rookie of the Year, respectively, with head coach Gene McCabe picking up ODAC Coach of the Year honors. James Haley ’26 set the singleseason record for points (115), Elliot Cohen ’26 was named the USILA Defensive Midfielder of the Year, and seven players totaled 10 All-America citations.

TRACK & FIELD

James Haley ’26, Attack

The W&L women’s track & field team completed the program’s second straight triple crown during the 2026 outdoor season, as 10 event champions and 24 All-ODAC performances drove the Generals to back-to-back outdoor titles. Cassie Carr ’27L used wins in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter to claim the Track Athlete of the Meet award, while Dana Freeman (Coach of the Year) and Camille Gillum ’26 (Scholar-Athlete of the Year) joined Carr as major award winners. The USTFCCCA bestowed a total of 21 All-Region citations upon the Generals, while Bailey Hedgemon ’26 and Olivia Warr ’27 added All–America honors at the NCAA National Championships. Hedgemon placed eighth in the hammer throw to make First Team All-America, while Warr took ninth in the 10,000meter for a second-team nod.

Mad McMurphy ’29, Pole Vault


QA

Gina Wills

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field hockey

What do you hope your student-athletes carry with them long after they leave Washington and Lee?

Looking back on this season, what accomplishments best reflect the progress of your program, and what gives you confidence about where it is headed next?

I hope they carry with them the friendships they’ve built, the memories created with the team and the joy shared in playing the sport they love. I’ve had the privilege to coach many amazing and strong women during my time here who I know are continuing to lead beyond their time at W&L, utilizing the skills they learned through sport.

We had a great season last year, and the momentum going into the fall is strong. We focus on a team-based style of play — and last season everyone contributed to our success. Offensively and defensively, we return with many key contributors in our wins against top-ranked opponents and who helped us finish the season ranked in the top 25 nationally. I’m confident in the team and the work they’ve put in for us to continue to compete at the highest level.

In your view, what makes the Washington and Lee student-athlete experience unique? W&L has an outstanding community, which enhances the student-athlete experience within teams and in larger spaces around campus. The field hockey team is incredibly supportive of one another. The student-athletes compete at a high level while learning in the best academic environment — our athletes excel athletically and academically.

Years at W&L: 15 seasons (2011-present) Alma Mater: Centre College, Class of 2004 Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky Favorite W&L Tradition: The Speaking Tradition Generals’ Club


Coach Highlight

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VOLLEYB T

he W&L volleyball team posted its third straight 20-win season in the fall, en route to capturing its third consecutive ODAC Tournament title. The team made the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row, before rounding out the campaign in the first round with an overall record of 23-10. Riley Debiec ’26, Grace Mitchener ’27 and Vivi Vasquez ’27 were each named to the All-ODAC First Team, with Debiec also claiming ODAC ScholarAthlete of the Year honors. That same trio of players was also selected to the AVCA All-Region First Team before Vasquez secured AVCA All-America Third Team laurels. Debiec and Mitchener were recognized as AVCA All-America honorable mentions.

Generals’ Club


BALL TIMEOUT WITH EMERY GOERIG ’26 “I chose Washington and Lee because, from the moment I stepped on campus, I knew it was the right place for me. I was drawn to supportive teammates and coaches who would challenge me to grow, meaningful relationships with professors and the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic interests. Four years later, I can say everything I hoped for proved true — and more. My time at W&L shaped me in ways I never anticipated. Through my experiences on the court, in the classroom and through internships, I became a stronger, more confident version of myself. This fall, I will begin pursuing my doctorate in psychology at Rutgers University. The resilience, empathy and teamwork I developed as a student-athlete gave me the confidence to pursue a career supporting children’s mental health and helping every student feel

Emery Goerig ’26, Middle Blocker

heard, valued and empowered.”

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BASEBA W Alex Caywood ’29, Middle Infielder

&L baseball was back in the mix of the ODAC this season after going 21-14-1 overall and 10-9-1 against conference opponents to earn the No. 5 seed for the conference tournament. Led by four All-ODAC players in Cooper Charneco ’27, Nathan DeWitte ’27, Camdyn Teague ’28 and Alex Caywood ’29, the Generals went 13-3 at home in 2026 and also secured the program’s first no-hitter in 21 years in a win over Johnson & Wales (North Carolina) in February. Caywood and DeWitte made the All-ODAC First Team and were both named ABCA All-Region players, while Caywood collected D3baseball.com Region 6 Rookie of the Year honors.

Generals’ Club


ALL Touching base with Alex Caywood ’29 What’s been your favorite baseball memory from your first year, even if it happened off the field? The road trips and the time spent bonding with the guys on the team have been my favorite memories. Those experiences helped bring us closer together. Looking back at the version of yourself who arrived on the Washington and Lee campus last August, what advice would you give him today? Get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of everything that comes with being a first-year student. That’s the best way to make the most of your experience. What’s one goal you have for the next three years that has nothing to do with baseball? I want to continue building strong relationships and expanding my network to create opportunities after graduation.

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men’s outdoor

women’s

TRACK & FIELD Men’s track & field rounded out its year by placing third at the ODAC Outdoor Championships and had six All-ODAC performers. Of those six, Macky Gartley ’29 and George Mann ’27 won individual titles in the 110-meter hurdles and javelin, respectively, to receive First Team All-ODAC accolades. Keaton Rush ’26 won his third ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, while six Generals picked up nine USTFCCCA AllRegion citations. Gartley, Rush and Sam Daunt ’28 qualified for the NCAA Championships in four events courtesy of recordbreaking performances, with Gartley adding another Second Team All-America mark behind a 10thplace showing in the 110-meter hurdles.

Macky Gartley ’29, Hurdles

GOLF Toral Bhatt ’29

The W&L women’s golf team’s 2025-26 season was highlighted by producing a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championship in Palm Desert, California, the best finish at the event in program history. Prior to the national championship, the Generals took second at the ODAC Tournament, with Toral Bhatt ’29 winning the individual championship, the first W&L women’s golfer to do so in three years. Julia Haetzel ’26, Berkeley Bundy ’27, Mackenzie Cline ’29 and Bhatt each earned All-ODAC honors, with Haetzel adding ODAC ScholarAthlete of the Year recognition. Head coach Jane Hopkinson-Wood was later named the Southeast Region Coach of the Year by the WGCA, while Bhatt and Bundy both made the All-Region team.


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men’s

women’s

SWIMMING The W&L men’s swimming team continued its dominance in the ODAC this season, collecting 14 total All-ODAC citations at the championship meet to win their fifth consecutive conference title. The Generals won eight events at the meet and saw Harrison Cerone ’26, Leighton Chapman ’27, Jackson Hall ’26, Dalton Jobe ’26, Zane Ross ’27 and Carter Whetstine ’28 all claim First Team All-ODAC honors, while Hall picked up ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year laurels. Jobe went on to lead the way for the Generals at the NCAA National Championship meet by claiming four AllAmerica citations. Chapman, Charles Byars ’26, Thomas Denton ’26 and William Gordon ’29 together earned six All-America finishes, with Chapman and Byars collecting two each, to give the program 10 for the season.

TENNIS Sarah Donnelly ’28, No. 3 Singles

W&L women’s tennis had one of its most successful seasons in recent program history in 2025-26, as the team went 22-3 overall, the most wins in a season in 11 years, while winning a 23rd straight and 35th overall ODAC Championship. The team went on to make a national quarterfinal appearance for the first time in five years, while Lauren Long ’26 earned her fourth straight All-America citation in singles and competed in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Singles Championship. Long was named the ODAC Player of the Year for a fourth straight season and ODAC Scholar-Athlete for a second year in a row, with head coach Erin Ness collecting her fifth consecutive ODAC Coach of the Year award. Long and four other Generals each made the All-ODAC Singles First Team.

Charles Byars ’26, Backstroke


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ODAC Championships


CONFERENCE AND NATIONAL AWARDS

15

ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awards

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ODAC Player of the Year Awards

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Individual Conference Champions

ODAC Coach of the Year Awards

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ODAC Rookie of the Year Awards

National Players of the Year


Support Us! Athletic Department, 100 Warner Drive Lexington, VA 24450-2116

With the start of the new academic year, our student-athletes are once again dedicating themselves to the demands of the coming season. You can be part of the support system that helps them stay rooted in how they do what is needed to produce the fruits of success in the classroom and in competition. Join us now and encourage their dedication and commitment by becoming a Generals’ Club member. Membership starts at $50, and you can designate your gift to a specific sport or sports if you so choose. Twenty-five percent of your gift (up to a cap of $250) will be used to benefit all sports programs at Washington and Lee University. If you would like to contribute to the Generals’ Club, a donation form is accessible by QR code or online:

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go.wlu.edu/givetothegenerals

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Washington and Lee


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