Muskingum News

Today, that investment is paying dividends. The Fighting Muskies are celebrating conference championships, national recognition, record-setting performances, and one of the strongest competitive years in recent memory. Student-athletes posted a department GPA above 3.2, earned 26 Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors during the 2025-26 academic year, captured conference and national awards, and continued to excel both in competition and in the classroom. 

Yet ask Associate Vice President for Athletics Kari Hoying Winters '08, '10G what has made the difference, and the conversation quickly shifts away from wins and losses. 

"When I accepted this position, my focus was to help provide an overall student-athlete experience comparable to the one I had as a Muskie," Hoying Winters said. "We needed to develop our department culture. We celebrated what was working, evaluated what needed attention, and established standards that would build our future." 

Those standards have become the foundation of Muskingum Athletics. Guided by a department-wide commitment to competitive excellence and the philosophy of "We Before Me," coaches and student-athletes are challenged to lead with integrity, embrace accountability, and understand that individual success grows out of collective effort. 

The investment extends far beyond practices and game days. Leadership development, mental health resources, strength and conditioning, professional development, and campus partnerships have become essential parts of the student-athlete experience. Coaches collaborate closely with faculty and student success professionals to ensure students thrive academically while pursuing excellence in competition. 

"The infusion of energy from our coaches over the past couple of years has been noticeable not only in our athletic competitions, but also in the classroom, across campus and in the community," said Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Mark Stambush. "It is an exciting time to be a part of Muskingum Athletics."

The results speak for themselves. Softball returned to the national rankings. STUNT reached the No. 1 national ranking. Women's Bowling captured a Club National Championship. Baseball returned to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament. Women's Basketball recorded its best season in more than a decade. Wrestling produced its first All-Region honoree since 2018, while numerous student-athletes and coaches earned conference, regional, and national recognition. 

But perhaps the most meaningful victories aren't reflected on a scoreboard. Expanded wellness initiatives have helped reduce injuries while encouraging student-athletes to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. More than 130 students received one-on-one wellness support, reinforcing the department's belief that sustained success begins with caring for the whole person.

Senior volleyball player Katharine Clayton has experienced that support firsthand. "Being a Muskingum athlete means more than just being a player or a teammate," Clayton said. "I have coaches invested in my success, professors who want me to succeed in the classroom, and a community that supports us both on and off the court." 

That sense of community extends well beyond campus. Muskingum student-athletes continue to mentor local youth, volunteer throughout the region, support the New Concord Area Arts and Recreation District, and raise thousands of dollars each year for Special Olympics and other charitable organizations. Service has become an expectation rather than an exception, a reflection of the department's belief that leadership is demonstrated through action. 

"NCAARD is extremely grateful to the hundreds of Muskingum student-athletes and coaches who generously give their time to our community," said Director Mary Beth Caudill. "Their willingness to give back strengthens our partnership and reflects the character of Muskingum Athletics." 

For Head Men's Basketball Coach Nathan Wahle, that culture begins during recruitment. "We're looking for young people who genuinely see Muskingum as home," Wahle said. "Our responsibility is to help them grow—not just as players, but as leaders and graduates who will make a positive impact long after basketball is over." 

That philosophy resonates with recent graduate Mike Davis ’26, a three-time recipient of the Mazeroski Award in baseball. "Muskingum gave me the tools and opportunities to become the leader I am today," Davis said. "I always felt welcomed, supported, and believed in. That allowed me to grow—not only as an athlete, but as a person." 

That sense of growth is what continues to define Muskingum Athletics.

"The momentum and energy throughout Muskingum Athletics have elevated our pursuit of excellence both athletically and academically," said Associate Athletic Director Tom Caudill. "More importantly, the pride of being a Muskie has never been stronger. From our student-athletes and coaches to our alumni and supporters, there is a shared commitment to success that continues to drive our department forward." 

That connection between today's student-athletes and the Long Magenta Line continues to fuel the department's momentum. Alumni have celebrated championships, mentored students, supported programs, and remained invested in the success of the next generation of Fighting Muskies. 

Because while wins and championships matter, the true measure of success is seeing graduates leave Muskingum prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference. When culture comes first, the victories that follow extend far beyond the scoreboard.