Chasing Championships at Ave Maria University
Athletes at Ave Maria University are setting ambitious goals this season, with several Gyrenes teams building momentum and chasing championships across multiple sports.
Basketball Eyes Kansas City
The men’s basketball team has its sights set on a deeper run in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament. After reaching the second round in each of the past two seasons, head coach Jamon Copeland and his players are aiming for the Sweet 16 — which would mean a trip to Kansas City for the tournament’s final rounds.
Led by experienced seniors like Jonathan Effertz and Michael Klekas, the Gyrenes have developed a strong foundation built on preparation and analytics. The team emphasizes high-value scoring opportunities — three-pointers, layups, and free throws — a strategy inspired by the data-driven philosophy popularized by the film Moneyball.
“Every single day, every single practice, we try to mimic what we’re going to do in the conference. We want to play our best basketball this spring,” said senior guard Effertz.
The approach has helped keep the Gyrenes nationally competitive and hungry for their first Sweet 16 appearance.
Cross Country Claims Conference Title
The men’s cross-country team achieved a major milestone this season by winning the Sun Conference championship — the first team title for head coach Alan Webb since joining the program four years ago. Webb, a former Olympian who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics and once held the American record in the mile, guided the Gyrenes to a dominant performance with five runners finishing in the top ten. For Webb, the victory carried special meaning. Despite his decorated individual running career, it marked the first championship team he had ever been part of — now as a coach.
Character on the Soccer Field
Success for the Gyrenes isn’t measured by wins alone. Senior soccer player Betsy Laville was recently named the Sun Conference Champion of Character, an honor recognizing integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. A starting center back and biology major, Laville is known for her composure on the field and her willingness to help classmates with their math coursework. She takes pride in playing a defensive role that often goes unnoticed on the scoreboard but can change the outcome of a game.
Golf Program Reaches New Heights
Meanwhile, the men’s golf team is making program history. Under head coach Patrick Sams, the Gyrenes opened the spring season ranked eighth nationally — their highest ranking to date. Led by senior standouts Ben Achziger, Joe Hamilton, Ty Kaufman, and Matt Mullen, the team has its eyes on the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship, scheduled for May at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Across the university, Gyrenes athletes are proving that success comes from preparation, teamwork, and belief — with championship dreams driving them forward.