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This year brought its share of challenges, but it also revealed the toughness and character of this group.
Throughout the spring, our team competed hard and stayed resilient. We were in more games than the record reflects, losing many games in the final inning, battling through close contests and showing flashes of what this group is capable of—especially offensively in key moments.
At the same time, we faced some clear areas for growth. Consistency—particularly on the road—along with timely defensive execution and pitching depth, proved to be hurdles against a very competitive conference.
What stands out most is how our student-athletes continued to show up for each other. Their commitment to improvement and to representing Willamette the right way gives me confidence in where we’re headed.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Coduto
This was a special year for Bearcat Golf and one that reflected the commitment, depth, and competitiveness of this team.
Throughout the year, this group consistently rose to the occasion. From strong fall performances to a dominant finish at the conference championship, our players showed tremendous focus and composure in key moments.
One of the defining strengths of this team was its balance and depth. Multiple players contributed across every event, and our veteran leadership combined with emerging young talent helped create one of the most competitive lineups in the conference. The recognition of Michael Baldwin as NWC Rookie of the Year, along with four All-NWC selections, reflected the hard work this group put in all season.
What stands out most is the way our student-athletes represented Willamette — competing with discipline, humility, and pride. Their commitment to one another and to the program continues to set a high standard.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Daugherty
The 2025-26 season represented another year of growth, resilience, and competitive development for the Willamette University women’s golf program. Competing against a strong Northwest Conference field throughout both the fall and spring schedules, the Bearcats continued building experience while representing the university with consistency, professionalism, and determination.
Willamette opened the year with competition at several key tournaments across the Pacific Northwest, including appearances at the Orange & Black Invitational, Pacific Lutheran Invitational, and Boxer Invitational during the fall season. The spring schedule brought the Bearcats back into conference competition at the Willamette Valley Cup in Salem before the Northwest Conference Spring Classic and NWC Championship Tournament.
One of the defining characteristics of the season was the steady improvement across tournament play. Facing experienced conference opponents and challenging course conditions throughout the year, the Bearcats continued to gain valuable competitive experience while improving consistency round by round.
Beyond scores and tournament finishes, the 2025-2026 campaign also reflected the continued development of the program’s roster. With the addition of a new assistant coach, the coaching staff worked tirelessly on women’s recruitment for the 2026-2027 season and are happy to announce one of the largest classes to come through for women’s golf.
Our coaching staff is incredibly excited to create an environment focused on long-term growth and competitive improvement while giving our student-athletes the athletic experience they are looking for. The team will continue to embody the balance between academics and athletics that defines the Willamette student-athlete experience and through travel, training, and conference competition, the women’s golf program will be on the rise.
As the season concluded, the Bearcats carried forward valuable experience and optimism for the future. With a developing roster and continued experience against one of Division III’s competitive conference environments, Willamette women’s golf is positioned to continue progressing in the years ahead.
While the results of the 2025-26 season provided important milestones, the larger story of the year centered on growth and the continued foundation being built within the Bearcat women’s golf program.
As we close out the 2026 season, I want to thank you for the continued support you give our program.
We’re proud of where the program is headed and excited for the new Bearcats who are set to arrive in August!
Thank you for being part of Bearcat Golf.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Daugherty
This was a memorable year for Willamette Women’s Lacrosse and an important step forward for our team.
This group showed tremendous resilience and growth throughout the spring. We saw players step into bigger roles, compete with confidence, and continue raising the standard for our program. Competing through our most competitive schedule yet, including two NCAA ranked opponents as well as several close games throughout conference play demonstrated just how competitive this team became down the stretch.
One of the most rewarding parts of the season was watching our team come together defensively while continuing to improve offensively. Players across the roster made meaningful contributions, and our leadership helped create a culture built on accountability, toughness, and support for one another.
The momentum we built this season gives us real excitement for the future of Bearcat Lacrosse. More importantly, our student-athletes represented Willamette with character, energy, and determination every day.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Lautenbach
This season came with challenges, but it also showed the competitiveness, resilience, and growth of our team.
This group competed with great energy and determination all season long. We saw meaningful progress in the circle, at the plate, and in the culture of the program. The leadership within this team helped establish a strong foundation that we believe will continue to move Bearcat Softball forward.
Just as important, we saw tremendous effort in the classroom and the Willamette community.
At the annual Bearcat Awards, Softball was named the Women's Academic Team of the Year. We also had five athletes nominated for Academic All-District Team: Emma Elliott, Desi Hatfield, Maya Filger, Jenna Hopkins, and Lizzie Brasher.
Softball also won the Bearcat Cup, which is an award given by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee based on support of Bearcat Athletic events, Willamette University events, participating in community engagement and supporting their sibling team.
Our student-athletes represented Willamette with toughness, integrity, and pride. That standard matters deeply to our program, and it gives us confidence in the direction we are headed.
We’re proud of the two Softball student-athletes elected to the 2026-2027 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board. Lauren Stube was elected as Co-President and Jenna Hopkins was elected At-Large member.
We’re building something that lasts, and your support continues to make a difference in that process.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Hall
This year pushed our group in a lot of ways, and it gave us a clearer picture of both our progress and the work still ahead.
This season, our team showed a willingness to compete and adapt. We had a number of tightly contested matches—especially in singles play—where our guys demonstrated grit and composure. Over the course of the spring, we also saw improvement in how we approached doubles, with better communication and chemistry emerging as the season progressed.
Where we were tested most was in sustaining that level across entire matches. Closing out sets, building momentum in doubles, and maintaining consistency against top conference opponents were key challenges we worked through.
What I appreciate most about this group is their approach. They showed up ready to work, supported one another, and embraced the process of getting better each week. That mindset is what will continue to move our program forward.
We’re encouraged by the direction we’re heading and grateful to have you alongside us.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Fecteau
This year brought its share of challenges, but it also revealed the competitiveness and resilience of this group.
Throughout the spring, our team competed hard and continued to improve match by match. We saw players step up in key moments, fight through long matches, and show the determination that continues to define our program.
At the same time, we faced some clear areas for growth. Depth across the lineup, consistency in conference play, and closing out tight matches proved to be challenges against a very competitive conference.
What stands out most is how our student-athletes continued to support one another and represent Willamette the right way. Their commitment to growth, teamwork, and competing with integrity gives me confidence in where we’re headed.
We’re continuing to build momentum, and your support continues to make a difference in that process.
Go Bearcats,
Coach Fecteau
This year was defined by growth, competitive success, and several outstanding accomplishments at both the conference and national levels.
From early invitationals through the conference championships, this group continued to improve and embrace the challenge of competing at a high level week after week. Finishing third in the conference and advancing multiple athletes to the NCAA Championships reflected the commitment and preparation this group brought to the season.
What stands out most is the way this team represented Willamette — supporting one another, competing with integrity, and embracing the process of continual improvement.
We’re excited about the momentum we’re building and grateful for the alumni who continue to support Bearcat Men’s Track & Field.
Go Bearcats,
Coach McGuirk
This year was marked by growth, resilience, and one of our strongest conference performances in recent years.
Throughout the season, our student-athletes competed with tremendous energy and determination. Week after week, we saw athletes push for personal bests, step into bigger roles, and continue raising the standard for Bearcat Track & Field. Finishing third at the conference meet reflected the commitment and preparation our student-athletes brought to the season from start to finish.
What stands out most is the culture this team continues to build. Our student-athletes represented Willamette with toughness, positivity, and a commitment to one another that defines our program.
We’re excited about the momentum we’re building and grateful for the alumni who continue to support Bearcat Women’s Track & Field.
Go Bearcats,
Coach McGuirk
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