WINONA, Minn. – 2025-26 was a year full of generosity, historic achievements, and unforgettable moments for Saint Mary's University Athletics.

From record-setting fundraising efforts and transformational facility projects to national recognition on the field, in the classroom, and in the community, the 2025-26 academic and athletics year showcased the continued momentum of Cardinal Athletics.

That momentum was fueled by incredible support from alumni, parents, friends, partners, and donors. Across all revenue streams, Saint Mary's Athletics generated over $625,000 in revenue with 1,684 donors and over 2,168 gifts during the 2025-26 academic year, strengthening the experience for our 350 Cardinal student-athletes.

Over the past year, our partners have played a significant role in delivering excellence across our department and for our student-athletes.

"Merchants Bank is a 151-year-old community bank; supporting a key community stakeholder like Saint Mary's University is truly a privilege," said Andrew Guzzo, Chief Banking Officer and President of Winona.

"The proof of student success is evident in the classroom, in competition and via community service. We take great pride in supporting the institution; working together allows everyone to win, go Cardinals," Guzzo exclaims.

Leading the way was the inaugural Cardinal Challenge, the University's first athletics week of giving, which raised nearly $250,000 from more than 1,500 donors. The overwhelming response marked one of the most successful fundraising initiatives in the department's history. Building on that success, the Cardinal Challenge will return Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2026, with the goal of setting another record while continuing to invest in the future of Saint Mary's Athletics.

"We are grateful to all who continue to help our student-athletes experience a best-in-class experience and, in turn, help prepare them for their careers ahead," said athletic director Brian Sisson.

Over the last seven years, the Cardinal Excellence Fund has surpassed an average of over $1 million in annual support, extending the streak of record-breaking giving that continues to elevate every Cardinal program.                                    

The impact of that support led to the opening of the David R. Thies Arena, which provides a premier home for                                     
Cardinal athletics and the University's new soccer turf pitch at Ochrymowycz Field.

Those investments translated directly into one of the most successful years in recent department history.

Saint Mary's celebrated a landmark postseason as two programs, women's basketball and softball, advanced to the NCAA Tournament in the same academic year for the first time in 25 years. As a whole, the Cardinals continued to make their mark on the national stage, finishing in the top half of all NCAA Division III institutions in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, the University's highest finish since 2000.

"We accomplished so much this year, and it is definitely one to remember," said head women's basketball coach Courtney Shelton.

The Cardinals produced numerous individual national award winners throughout the year.

Sophomore Mya Slavin earned NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Second-Team All-America honors after placing 12th in the 800 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, becoming the program's first outdoor track All-American since 2021.

The men's hockey program saw two student-athletes earn one of the sport's highest honors as sophomore Joona Juntunen and junior Cole Mickel were both named First-Team All-Americans for the program's first time since the 1988-89 season.

In softball, junior Megan McGinnis was named a College Sports Communicators Third-Team Academic All-American, highlighting excellence both in competition and in the classroom, while teammate Makayla Steffes earned her third consecutive NFCA Third-Team All-America honors after another remarkable season.

Academic excellence was a staple last school year. Saint Mary's student-athletes recorded a collective department GPA of 3.3 or higher for a record 13th consecutive semester, continuing a standard of success that extends well beyond competition with 132 student-athletes earning Academic All-Conference honors after achieving academic standards with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Two Cardinals were also recognized among the conference elite scholars, as Connor Abric (men's hockey) and Lindsey Lettner (women's basketball) earned the prestigious MIAC Elite 22 Award for their academic honors while being recognized as a top performer. It marked the first time in University history that two Saint Mary's student-athletes received the honor in the same academic year.

While championships and accolades highlighted the year, one of the most meaningful moments came away from competition.

In December, the women's hockey program hosted Rally for Riley, an event in honor of teammate Riley Vander Esch, who continues her courageous battle with brain cancer. The Cardinal community came together in extraordinary fashion, raising more than $26,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and cancer research.

Through transformational donor support, enhanced facilities, academic excellence, community impact, and championship-level success, Saint Mary's Athletics continues to build an environment where student-athletes thrive in competition, in the classroom, and in life.

As the Cardinals look ahead to the 2026-27 season, the foundation will only continue to grow. 

"We look forward to seeing our Cardinal supporters on campus, in the community, at events, and helping us have another fantastic year," added Sisson.     

The next major event for the Cardinal Excellence Fund will be here before you know it! Registration for the CEF Golf Outing can be found here, and we can't wait to see everyone on September 12, 2026, at Cedar Valley Golf Course. 

For more information on how you can help support Cardinal athletics and the Cardinal Excellence Fund, contact Brian Sisson at 507-457-1638 or bsisson@smumn.edu.