Royals Freshman Athlete of the Year

Female Freshman of the Year:听听(蝉辞蹿迟产补濒濒)

Judd had an outstanding season for the Royals softball team and was one of just four players to start all 34 games. She hit .304, third-best on the team, while totaling 35 hits, second-most on the roster. In 115 at-bats, she struck out only nine times. Defensively, Judd posted a .985 fielding percentage with just two errors in 132 chances while playing first base, catcher, and the outfield.

鈥淎liza Judd 鈥� great attitude, and she brings it every day,鈥� said head softball coach JD McCurdy. 鈥淪he was our leadoff hitter and an immediate impact player. If you ever come to see her play, you鈥檒l never know whether she鈥檚 0-for-5 or 5-for-5; she鈥檚 ice cold. She checks all the boxes as a great player and a great leader.鈥澨�

Male Freshman of the Year:听听(men’s track and field)

Rucker burst onto the scene for 91短视频, placing ninth in the shot put and 12th in the weight throw at his first collegiate meet, the Liberty Kickoff, which featured many Division I and II programs. The following weekend, he won the shot put and finished second in the weight throw, beginning a dominant indoor season in which he consistently won events while climbing the 91短视频 track and field record books. He set the program record in the indoor weight throw, ranks second in the indoor shot put, set the outdoor discus record, and ranks second in the outdoor hammer throw.

At the indoor ODAC Championships, Rucker earned Second Team All-ODAC honors in the shot put, and at season鈥檚 end he was named USTFCCCA All-South Region in both the shot put and weight throw. He followed with a stellar outdoor season, winning ODAC titles in the hammer throw and discus while finishing second in the shot put. He currently ranks 29th in Division III in the hammer throw and 50th in the shot put.

鈥淚 think one of the most impressive things about Koran is that, for the last couple of months, the throwers have had to pretty much coach themselves,鈥� said Director of Cross Country, Track & Field and Triathlon Bob Hepler. 鈥淗e鈥檚 shown a lot of character through his work ethic, and we are very blessed to have him.

Royals Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year:听 ’26听(women’s soccer)

Beachy was named Female Athlete of the Year following arguably her best season as a Royal. She scored 10 goals in her senior campaign, including a two-goal performance in a 4鈥�1 home win over Hollins on Senior Day. Beachy finished the season ranked seventh in the ODAC in goals, third in game-winning goals (5), and 11th in points (20), earning Third Team All-ODAC honors鈥攖he first All-ODAC selection for 91短视频 women鈥檚 soccer since 2017.

Her on-field production and leadership helped guide 91短视频 Women鈥檚 Soccer to one of its strongest seasons in recent years. The Royals finished 6鈥�11鈥�1 in 2025, recording their highest win total since 2019 and qualifying for the ODAC Women鈥檚 Soccer Tournament for the first time since that same year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to recognize Leah,鈥� said Royals head coach Leo Alcoreza. 鈥淗er impact on our program goes far beyond stats. Come game day, Leah consistently delivered in the biggest moments, stepping up time and time again when we needed her most. As a team captain, she led by example every day. She鈥檚 not just an incredible athlete, she鈥檚 an even better teammate, person, and leader, and 91短视频 is better because of her.鈥�

Male Athlete of the Year:听 ’26听(产补蝉别产补濒濒)

A four-year starter for the Royals, Miller played in and started 38 games this season and delivered one of the best individual campaigns in 91短视频 baseball history. He led the team with a .427 batting average, which ranked third in the ODAC for the 2026 season. Miller also paced the Royals and ranked second in the ODAC with 61 hits, the sixth-most in a single season in program history. On the bases, he stole 25 bags, leading the ODAC and tying the 91短视频 single-season record.

He helped guide 91短视频 to 14 regular-season wins, the program鈥檚 highest total since the 2019 season.

鈥淎idan should be getting his second All-Conference award later this month, and he鈥檒l finish in the top 10 in multiple categories in our record book, but that stuff is really irrelevant to what he鈥檚 meant to our program,鈥� said Royals head coach Adam Posey. 鈥淚f you guys listen, his nickname right now is 鈥楽kip,鈥� as in skipper of the team. He鈥檚 very passionate about what he does and very loyal, and we鈥檒l miss all of those things next year.鈥�

President鈥檚 Award

Female President’s Award:听 ’26听(women’s soccer)

Beachy is from Grants Pass, Oregon, and is a nursing graduate who achieved a 4.00 GPA during her time at 91短视频. She plans to work as a nurse on a medical-surgical floor and join an adult soccer league.

A four-year member of the women鈥檚 soccer team, Beachy was named Third Team All-ODAC in 2025. During her career at 91短视频, she played 5,391 minutes across 72 games. She led or co-led the team in scoring for three seasons, totaling 21 goals and eight assists. Beachy is the co-record holder for most single-game assists and points and ranks fifth all-time in career points (50) and sixth in career goals (21).

She was a four-year member of the Dean鈥檚 List and the All-ODAC Academic Team, a two-time VaSID Academic All-State selection, and a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She was also a member of the Honors Program. Off the field, Beachy served as a Royal Ambassador, tour guide, peer tutor, and member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the Nursing Student Association. She also served as a student-faculty representative for the nursing program and as an Honors Program facilitator.

鈥�91短视频 Athletics gave me the rare opportunity to play soccer while receiving a phenomenal nursing education, providing an outlet to exist purely as a competitor amid the demands of college,鈥� Beachy said. 鈥淭he joys and challenges of athletics expanded my capacity to serve and lead not only as a teammate, but also as a nurse, friend, and community member. I leave 91短视频 Athletics with precious relationships, lasting memories, and a deeper love for the game. It has been a true privilege.鈥澨�

Male President’s Award:听 ’26 (baseball)

Hall is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and is a health and physical education graduate with minors in kinesiology, exercise science, and coaching. He achieved a 3.74 GPA during his time at 91短视频 and plans to pursue a career in physical education.

A four-year member of the baseball program, Hall played in 103 games for the Royals. He holds a career batting average of .278 with 87 hits, 17 doubles, and 46 RBI. In 2024, he was hit by a pitch 25 times, and he has been hit 47 times in his career, both 91短视频 baseball records.

Academically, he was named to the Dean鈥檚 List five times, the All-ODAC Academic Team four times, and is a CSC Academic All-District honoree. Off the field, he was a member of Every Nation Campus.

鈥�91短视频 Athletics is more than a season, more than a game, more than a practice, more than a result, and more than a feeling,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淚t is an outlet, it is a community, it is cherished moments and friendships that will last a lifetime. I felt at one point that I was defined by results. Coach Posey has helped me find my identity鈥攏ot in results, not in statistics, but in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 91短视频 Athletics has been a place where myself and others can grow in our faith and develop our foundation on a Kingdom that is everlasting.鈥�

Stay up to date with 91短视频 Athletics through its听听补苍诲 听accounts or visit its听.

HARRISONBURG, Va. 鈥� 91短视频 and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community announced Monday, May 11, a strategic partnership that strengthens and expands their long-standing relationship, allowing VMRC to plan for future growth while providing 91短视频 with the resources to advance its educational mission.

As part of the agreement, VMRC will acquire Park Woods, a 13-acre oak-hickory forest it shares with 91短视频, with a commitment to continue stewarding and preserving the urban green space as an enduring asset to the community. The partnership also includes a five-year plan for VMRC鈥檚 potential expansion through its purchase of the land upon which the 91短视频 baseball field now sits, along with the construction of a new ballfield at another location on the university campus.

The partnership, which has been approved by each institution鈥檚 board of trustees, supports their long-term strategic goals by strengthening financial sustainability, expanding opportunities for intergenerational engagement, and reinforcing their shared presence as mission-driven organizations serving the public good.

Leaders of the neighboring Harrisonburg institutions describe the partnership as a 鈥渨in-win,鈥� supporting both VMRC鈥檚 capacity to serve current and future residents and 91短视频鈥檚 ability to invest in academic excellence, student access, and community engagement.

鈥淭his partnership honors our history while giving us the flexibility and capacity to plan for long-term vitality,鈥� VMRC President and CEO Jake Bell said. 鈥淚t allows us to continue providing high-quality care and community while strengthening our connection to 91短视频 and the region we both serve.鈥�

鈥淭his partnership reflects who we are and how we want to lead,鈥� 91短视频 Interim President Shannon W. Dycus said. 鈥淚t builds on decades of relationship, shared geography, and common values, while positioning both institutions to respond thoughtfully and responsibly to the future.鈥�

91短视频 and VMRC share a foundation of Anabaptist-Mennonite values and a commitment to community, service, and care for the whole person. The two institutions have long been neighbors and partners, and this agreement positions them to collaborate more intentionally on academic, cultural, and community initiatives that benefit students, residents, employees, and the greater Harrisonburg region.

Media Contact:
Ryan Cornell
Senior Writer & Communications Manager
ryan.cornell@emu.edu
(540) 432-4059

91短视频 welcomed hundreds of student-athletes, coaches, and spectators from schools across the Old Dominion Athletic Conference on Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, for the 2026 ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

As part of the university鈥檚 two-year agreement to host the annual event, this marked the second consecutive year the championships have been held at 91短视频. Last year was the first time 91短视频 had hosted them since 2005.

The two-day event provided an exciting opportunity for 91短视频 to showcase its campus and state-of-the-art track and field complex, which opened in October 2024. The facility is one of only a few in the ODAC that meets NCAA certification standards and can be configured to allow athletes to run, jump, and throw with the tailwind.

More than 120 volunteers assisted with events in rain, wind, sun, and changing temperatures. 91短视频 faculty and staff from across departments, along with students, alumni, community members, and the athletics department, all contributed to making the meet a success.

Filipo Toelau competes in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2026 ODAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Ahsan Abul-Qasim (left) placed third in the men’s long jump, while Josh Joseph (right) earned All-ODAC honors.

Two 91短视频 student-athletes won medals at the championships.

Koran Rucker, 91短视频 Athletics Male Freshman of the Year, was named ODAC champion in the men鈥檚 discus throw and hammer throw and placed second in the shot put. He became the first men鈥檚 track and field athlete to win multiple events in the same ODAC outdoor championship meet since Michael Allen ’13 claimed both the long jump and triple jump in 2011.

Ahsan Abul-Qasim placed third in both the men鈥檚 200-meter dash and the men鈥檚 long jump.

They were two of five Royals to earn All-ODAC honors in at least one event, along with Nick Arnold, Josh Joseph, and Da鈥橲hawn Winters.

Three women student-athletes contributed point-scoring performances at the championships: Elili Asefa in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, Lauren Kauffman in the 10,000 meters, and Faith Schultz in the high jump.

Read recaps of the championships from 91短视频 Athletics below:

Friday

• Koran Rucker wins hammer throw to lead Royal men on Day 1 of ODAC Championships ()
• Three athletes score points for women鈥檚 track and field on Day 1 of ODAC Championships ()

Saturday

• Men鈥檚 track and field finishes fifth at ODAC Outdoor Championships ()

In our series of student and alumni stories, social media posts, and letters and emails, we invited you to become part of Lov91短视频 history by making this year鈥檚 Giving Day the best one yet. You answered the call, giving $402,722 to scholarships and financial aid, direct support for faculty and staff, 91短视频鈥檚 life-changing intercultural programs, and, for the first time, resources for first-generation college students.

Together, we surpassed the $400,000 goal set by Lov91短视频 organizers and topped our previous record of $365,512, raised last year, by an impressive 10%.

In an email sent Thursday, Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), annual giving and donor communications specialist, expressed gratitude for the generosity shown by 91短视频 alumni, friends, and fans.

鈥淚t is inspiring and humbling to witness the outpouring of support our community showed鈥攚ith every gift, text to a family member or friend, or post to social media, you helped us meet our goal. We are incredibly grateful.鈥� she said.

Among the highlights from this year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day, she shared, were:

• Unlocking every challenge of the day;
• watching hundreds of alumni, employees, donors, and students connect and celebrate during the Lov91短视频 Community Meal; and
• welcoming 19 future Royals who visited for the day into the 91短视频 community.

鈥淭hank you again for showing up for 91短视频,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淵our support has a direct impact on current students, future students, and the entire 91短视频 community.鈥�

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni fill Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Pep Rally.

The day kicked off with the third annual Lov91短视频 Pep Rally at Yoder Arena. The rally had it all: a dramatic entrance by Herm on an e-bike, the return of the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon, and performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night鈥檚 Lip-Sync Battle.

Read a recap of the pep rally below!

Sights and sounds from the University Festival: Past, present, and future Royals meet with Herm (top photo), snap pics at the Lov91短视频 photo booth (left), and bob for apples (right) at one of the Student Union club booths.

Following the pep rally, the University Festival in the Hall of Nations connected faculty members with prospective students and featured games and activities hosted by student clubs. 

Mathematics Professor Dr. Daniel Showalter brought his two daughters and his dad, Dennis Showalter 鈥�73, to the event. He said he gives to scholarships such as the HDH and Flora Showalter Endowed Scholarship, which supports math and computer science students, on Lov91短视频 Giving Day.

鈥淭his is my dream job,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want to do whatever I can to keep the atmosphere vibrant and living. I feel really grateful that I get to wake up every morning and go to a job that is meaningful and enjoyable.鈥�

Jacob Horsley 鈥�22, MBA 鈥�25, associate director of undergraduate admissions, said he chooses to give back to the university on Lov91短视频 Giving Day because he鈥檚 a 鈥渞epeat Royal.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 a double-alumnus,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have experienced the impact of this supportive community, and I want to make sure that it continues.鈥�

The Lunch & Lawn Party returned to Thomas Plaza with a free student lunch and various lawn games.

The campus community enjoyed Wednesday鈥檚 warm weather at the Lunch & Lawn Party on Thomas Plaza, where they savored Korean beef bowls and competed in lawn games. The annual student appreciation lunch, free for all students and hosted in partnership between Pioneer College Caterers and the Campus Activities Council, included the traditional egg toss and a Bubble Bus that filled the Front Lawn with giant bubbles.

From 2 to 4 p.m., members of 91短视频鈥檚 MA in Counseling program led self-care activities at the Student Union.

As 91短视频鈥檚 night owls kept the energy alive, Lov91短视频 participants had plenty more activities to enjoy. Back by popular demand and hosted by the Student Government Association, the Real Life Mario Kart Race returned to the University Commons indoor track, where teams of three raced on scooters, dodged obstacles, and collected prizes. Later, from 10:30 p.m. to midnight, the Art After Dark craft event featured live music from 91短视频鈥檚 jazz trio.

View the full schedule of events at .

Leaderboard competition

The winners of the 2026 Lov91短视频 leaderboard competition are:

Academic program

• First place ($1,000 prize): Nursing
• Second place ($500 prize): Natural Sciences
• Third place ($250 prize): Education

Student club/org

• First place ($1,000 prize): Muslim Student Alliance (a new org formed this year!)
• Second place ($500 prize): Black Student Alliance
• Third place ($250 prize): 91短视频 Outdoor

Athletic team

• First place ($1,000 prize): Women’s Volleyball
• Second place ($500 prize): Women’s Basketball
• Third place ($250 prize): Men鈥檚 volleyball

Challenges (all unlocked)

Donors unlocked all $170,000 in challenge match funds for the University Fund, student scholarships, intercultural programs, athletics, and, new to Lov91短视频 this year, support for first-generation college students.

Lov91短视频 Early Challenge: We received more than 120 gifts before the start of Lov91短视频 Giving Day to unlock $15,000 for the University Fund.

All-day challenges

Loyal Royal Challenge: More than 250 alumni made gifts to 91短视频 during Lov91短视频 Giving Day to unlock $20,000 for student scholarships.

Friends of 91短视频 Challenge: More than 175 non-alumni made gifts to unlock $15,000 for the University Fund.

Future Royal Challenge: Because 19 prospective students who were in attendance on Lov91短视频 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit, either on the day or beforehand, we unlocked $19,000 in scholarship funds.

Timed challenges

Early Herm Gets the Worm: We received 75 gifts before 9 a.m. on Wednesday to unlock $15,000 for student scholarships.

First-Gen Match of 10: In a first-ever Lov91短视频 challenge of its kind, a 鈥渕atch of the match鈥� through a NetVUE grant, we raised $10,052 to support first-generation students.

Lov91短视频 at First Sight: We received 110 gifts between noon and 3 p.m. to unlock a whopping $30,000 for the University Fund.

What a Wonderful World: We received 80 gifts from 5-7 p.m. to unlock $20,000 to ensure all students are able to access 91短视频鈥檚 impactful intercultural experiences.

The Generosity Marathon: We received 55 gifts from 7:30-9 p.m. to unlock $10,000 for 91短视频 Athletics.

Late-night Leadership: We received 100 gifts from 9 p.m. to midnight to unlock $20,000 for the University Fund.

Thanks to everyone who donated, shared their time to celebrate their love of all things 91短视频, and joined in the festivities on campus! Special thanks to the 2026 Lov91短视频 planning team: Nicole Litwiller, Arelys Martinez Fabian, Cassandra Guerrero, Kyle Dickinson, Leah Frankenfield, Luke Litwiller, Maria Longenecker, Omar Hoyos, Steve Johnson, and Tyler Goss.

Swipe through our photo album from the day below!

Herm was missing. The crowd of faculty, staff, students, and alumni at Yoder Arena for Wednesday morning鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Pep Rally called out his name. They searched high and low. But he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle engine filled the gymnasium. Moments later, everyone鈥檚 favorite friendly blue lion glided onto the hardwood on a sleek new e-bike.

The e-bike, announced Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MA 鈥�20 (conflict transformation), Lov91短视频 organizer and pep rally emcee, was a new addition to the Sadie Hartzler Library, thanks to a generous donation from an 91短视频 alum, the diligent work of senior Joshua Stucky, and a partnership between library staff and the Shenandoah Bicycle Company.听

Starting Monday, students can check out the bike from the library at any time and 鈥渆asily bike all over campus and Harrisonburg,鈥� she said.

Herm鈥檚 dramatic entrance was just one of many memorable moments that energized the crowd with the Lov91短视频 Giving Day spirit. Wednesday鈥檚 pep rally had it all: a current student exclaiming her love for 91短视频, a future student officially declaring 91短视频 as his school for next year, and performances by the previous night鈥檚 Lip-Sync Battle champions. 

鈥淚t’s sure to be the best Lip-Sync Battle this side of the Shenandoah,鈥� promised fellow pep rally organizer and emcee Tyler Goss, director for student engagement and leadership development.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article to watch a video recording of the pep rally.

Students snagged free Lov91短视频 shirts shot into the crowd by the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon.

Throughout the event, engineering lab tech Henry Bowser and engineering student Max Fritts fired shirts into the stands using the BaZOOKa T-shirt cannon. The launcher, which debuted at last year鈥檚 pep rally, was funded by 2019 alumni Ben, an engineering graduate, and Kayla Zook.

Lov91短视频 Giving Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate all the incredible things about 91短视频, which include 鈥渙ur amazing academic programs, our incredible athletic teams, our impactful clubs and orgs, and our supportive community as a whole,鈥� Litwiller said. 鈥淧art of how we can express that celebration is through generosity.鈥�

Funds from Lov91短视频 Giving Day benefit current and future students, faculty, and staff by making education more affordable and providing them with the facilities and resources they need to access an outstanding education. Since the first Lov91短视频 Giving Day in 2017, the university has raised more than $2 million on annual giving days. 

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year鈥檚 Lov91短视频 Giving Day was the best one yet, with over $402,000 raised, according to the .

The pep rally began with the premiere of the official Lov91短视频 Giving Day video. It celebrates the past nine giving days and sets sights on the future, featuring voiceovers from Litwiller and Marketing and Communications Project Manager Aric Berg, along with cameos from faculty, staff, students, athletes, and alumni. The video was produced by Macson McGuigan 鈥�17.

Watch the official hype video below!

Sophomore Ari Smart speaks about finding her fit at 91短视频 (left) and future student Brady Crisp (right) rings the cowbell.

Ari Smart, a sophomore majoring in art education, shared her experiences at 91短视频. The Stafford, Virginia, native, who serves as a Royal Ambassador and plays on the field hockey and lacrosse teams, spoke about finding her place in a community that made her feel seen, supported, and valued. 鈥淭his is a place that pushes me to grow,鈥� she said. 

Through classes that challenge her to think differently, clubs that let her explore new interests, and experiences that prepare her for the future, she has gained confidence, independence, and the ability to take initiative.

鈥淭his university has given me more than an education; it has given me a sense of belonging, a community that feels like family, and experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.鈥�

The pep rally crowd also welcomed a future Royal to the 91短视频 family. Brady Crisp, a senior from Fluvanna County High School who will join the men鈥檚 soccer team this fall, took part in the cherished tradition of ringing the cowbell to celebrate his commitment. 

Each time a prospective student who was in attendance on Lov91短视频 Giving Day paid their tuition deposit鈥攁s Crisp did鈥攅ither on the day or beforehand, the university unlocked an additional $1,000 in scholarship funds. The Future Royal Challenge, funded by two graduates from the Class of 1958, raised $19,000 in scholarships on Wednesday.

The women鈥檚 volleyball (left) and lacrosse teams (right) perform lip-sync routines at the Lov91短视频 Pep Rally on Wednesday.

The third annual Lov91短视频 Pep Rally showcased performances by the top three athletic teams from the previous night鈥檚 annual Lip-Sync Battle, hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The women鈥檚 basketball and lacrosse teams competed for second place, with the basketball team prevailing after a crowd vote. The women鈥檚 volleyball team, this year鈥檚 champions, combined lip-syncing with a carefully choreographed routine to a medley of songs from High School Musical.

Senior Admissions Counselor Lexi Fotis-Brown MA 鈥�25 (organizational leadership) led this portion of the pep rally, hyping up the teams and the crowd. 鈥淎bsolutely electric,鈥� she told the teams. 鈥淛ust remember, you’re all winners in my heart.鈥�

Earlier in the event, emcees Litwiller and Goss exchanged some lighthearted banter. 

Goss said, 鈥淲ait, so you鈥檙e telling me we do all this to make the student experience at 91短视频 the best it can be? What are you going to tell me next? That the generosity of donors helps fund student scholarships, improve campus facilities, and even keeps the lights on?鈥�

鈥淚 mean, yeah, you said it,鈥� Litwiller replied.

Watch a recording of the pep rally below!

Leading a new school comes with its own set of challenges, says Ryan Henschel 鈥�15, co-principal of Rocktown High School in Harrisonburg.

For one thing, there isn鈥檛 much of a blueprint to follow. There鈥檚 no history to draw on or precedent for how things are done.

鈥淲e鈥檙e still developing the identity of the school,鈥� Henschel said. 鈥淎nd we鈥檙e creating all the processes from scratch to keep things running smoothly.鈥�

It鈥檚 a formidable task, but also one filled with excitement and possibility.

鈥淭here aren鈥檛 as many 鈥榖ad habits鈥� we need to undo before setting the tone for the school,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n that way, it鈥檚 a little easier.鈥�

Henschel, in his first year as co-principal, leads over 1,000 students and several 91短视频 alumni on staff at Rocktown, which opened in fall 2024. He previously served as its assistant principal.

Originally from New Market, Henschel said the opportunity to play collegiate baseball drew him to 91短视频. During his four seasons on the team, the starting pitcher contributed to the Royals鈥� growing success. In 2015, as a team captain, he helped lead the squad to its first ODAC Tournament appearance since 2002, when former MLB catcher Erik Kratz 鈥�02 was on the team.

Baseball helped him grow, teaching him to manage his time, strengthen his organizational skills, and develop as a leader. It may have been what brought him to campus, but the school鈥檚 close-knit community and small class sizes led him to stay.

鈥淚 got to know my professors,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s an athlete, I knew almost all the other athletes and coaches and would interact with them. That played a huge role in making me feel like I truly belong to this community.鈥�

91短视频 is a Division III school, which means it cannot offer athletic scholarships. For Henschel, receiving the President鈥檚 Scholarship, which is awarded to 91短视频 students who maintain a 3.0 GPA, made a real difference.

鈥淭hat scholarship helped reduce the financial burden both during and after my time at 91短视频,鈥� he said.

Henschel chose to major in math education because he 鈥渞eally enjoyed math.鈥� 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 hear that a lot,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t came easier to me than other subjects, and I could help other students learn math, which gave me great joy.鈥�

After graduating from 91短视频 in 2015, Henschel taught math at Harrisonburg High School until 2023, when he was named assistant principal. When Rocktown opened the following year, he joined the new school as assistant principal. Henschel, who has a master’s degree in education from James Madison University, became Rocktown鈥檚 co-principal last fall.

His wife, Rachel Richard Henschel 鈥�15, a teacher at Spotswood Elementary School, is also an alum of 91短视频鈥檚 acclaimed teacher education program. He credits the program, and its immediate, hands-on experiences, with preparing teachers to serve and lead in the classroom.

During his first semester at 91短视频, an introduction to teaching course placed him in a local school practicum, where he could quickly translate course theory into practice.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I fell in love with teaching,鈥� he said.

Since welcoming students two years ago, Rocktown has earned awards across a wide range of categories, from its innovative architecture and cardiac arrest preparedness to its music education and athletics programs.

鈥淎s a new school,鈥� said Henschel, 鈥渨e鈥檙e currently in the exciting phase of cultivating a culture of excellence and seeing our students reach their full potential.鈥�

Your support helps students pursue a quality college education without financial barriers. Join us for the 10th annual Lov91短视频 Giving Day and contribute to the scholarships that empower future 91短视频 students. On April 1, let鈥檚 show that our generosity knows no bounds鈥or the record!

Patterson is a special agent with the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). She was one of more than 50 special agents assigned to protect America鈥檚 athletes and teams as they trained, competed, and traveled to media appearances.

The writing studies grad, who excelled as a cross-country and track athlete at 91短视频, worked as a field liaison officer at the ice rinks in Milan, where she safeguarded USA鈥檚 figure skaters, hockey teams, and speed skaters, including gold medalists Ilia Malinin, Alysa Liu, and Jordan Stolz.

鈥淧art of being there is taking time to observe the crowd and ensure everything鈥檚 secure and all set-up,鈥� said Patterson. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 also a lot of sport-watching and cheering on Team USA and hoping the athletes you鈥檝e been with do well.”

鈥淔igure skating was phenomenal. I was in awe of what they鈥檙e able to do. But the crowd with the biggest atmosphere, I think, was probably men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 hockey. It was a very exhilarating environment. It was hard not to get caught up and feel the roar of the crowd cheering on the teams.鈥� 

Hannah Patterson 鈥�14, a special agent with the U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Diplomatic Security Service, worked a 鈥減retty intense schedule鈥� at the 2026 Winter Olympics, often starting her workday at 7 a.m. to protect athletes while they trained and working well past midnight for competitions that ended late.

鈥業t鈥檚 just one big adventure鈥�

Born in Singapore to parents involved in community development work, Patterson moved with her family to Indonesia when she was 12. She attended Mountainview International Christian School. It was there she learned one of her classmates, nursing grad David Jantzi 鈥�13, whose parents were alumni, had his sights set on attending 91短视频.

鈥淚 ended up applying on a whim,鈥� said Patterson, 鈥渁nd I鈥檓 so grateful I did.鈥�

She said one of the major draws to 91短视频 was that its financial aid office was 鈥渟o proactive鈥� in telling her which grants and awards were available. 鈥�91短视频 was such an obviously tight-knit community that cared, even before I showed up, and that just followed through over the next four years,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ooking back now, I wouldn鈥檛 have done as well at a big state school where I would鈥檝e felt like just a number. My professors were always there for me, and I loved that about 91短视频.鈥�

Another draw was its intercultural programs. Patterson immersed herself in the cultures of South Africa and Lesotho for a semester and said she treasures 91短视频鈥檚 global focus.

鈥淚 love the sense of adventure that 91短视频 carries with it,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 something I feel almost every day on the job. It鈥檚 just one big adventure, and every day is a cross-cultural experience.鈥�

Hannah Patterson ’14 (pictured third from left), a cross-country and track athlete at 91短视频, said her coaches ensured she was growing and finding her place in the world. 鈥淚 loved being on a team that was incredibly supportive, and I think my teammates, coaches, and track and cross-country teams really shaped me as a person, pushed me, and helped me grow. In a school that is so community-focused, it was nice to have an even tighter group to grow and dream with.鈥�

Patterson graduated with a writing studies degree in 2014 (right photo). She said her intercultural experiences in South Africa (left photo) and Lesotho, along with the mentorship she received from professors, helped shape her love of adventure. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge thing to be able to travel as much as I do and I am very grateful for it,鈥� she said.

Landing the job

After graduating in 2014, Patterson was working at Black Sheep Coffee in Harrisonburg when she mentioned to a coworker she was seeking a career change. Unbeknownst to her, that coworker鈥檚 husband was a DSS agent working at a training center in West Virginia, and she suggested that Patterson would be a good fit for the job, based on her experience growing up overseas and her love of adventure.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted it to be relational,鈥� Patterson said. 鈥淎long with the daily problem-solving and micro-challenges I enjoy, I鈥檓 very grateful this job exists, that I鈥檓 able to do it, and that I had a lot of good mentors at 91短视频 along the way to encourage me.鈥�

Patterson worked at the training center (now known as the ) for a half-decade, before applying and landing a job as a . She began training in July 2021 and, after a rigorous training process, officially became an agent in April 2022.

Since then, she鈥檚 built up an impressive foreign service career. She worked in Kyiv, Ukraine, for three months during the war. She also served at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for one year.

Last year, Patterson interviewed for her current role as an agent at the Major Events Coordination Office, which secures international events such as the G7 and G20 summits, Pan American Games, and FIFA World Cup, in addition to the Olympics and Paralympics. When she learned she had been selected to join the office, she said she was 鈥渙ut-of-this-world thrilled.鈥�

鈥淚t can be quite competitive, and I was very excited that I get to do this for the next two years (DSS agents typically switch offices every one to three years),鈥� said Patterson. 鈥淣ext year, we鈥檒l have the Pan American Games and the Women鈥檚 World Cup, which will be in Brazil.鈥�

This month, Hannah Patterson 鈥�14 will help protect Team USA鈥檚 athletes as they train and compete at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, held in Milan and Cortina, Italy, from March 6-15.

Patterson, who has been in Italy since Jan. 27, will also keep watch over America鈥檚 athletes during the 2026 Winter Paralympics, held in Milan and Cortina from March 6-15. She鈥檒l serve as one of the special agents staffing a DSS Joint Operations Center at the U.S. Consulate in Milan.

She took advantage of the four-day break in between training for the Olympics and Paralympics to explore the mountains of northern Italy. Inspired by the athletes she watched during the Olympics, she learned to ski for the first time.

鈥淚 never thought of this as a career option when I was going to school,鈥� said Patterson. 鈥淚 remember telling my poetry professor, Michael Ann Courtney, 鈥業鈥檓 going to be a starving artist for the rest of my life,鈥� and she told me, 鈥楴o, Hannah, don鈥檛 worry. The world is so much bigger than that.鈥� And it turns out she was right.鈥�

When JD McCurdy decided to move from the high school coaching ranks up to college, that was the headline from the July 1, 2003, issue of the Daily News-Record. But McCurdy, who had already found immense success at Turner Ashby as its softball coach, was ready to take that next step.

“It was the challenge,” McCurdy explained. “We (TA) were dominating everything and I just wanted a new challenge. I always wanted to coach at the college level, and there weren’t many of those available in Virginia and I didn’t want to move. So 91短视频 was the opportunity.”

And meet that challenge he has.

Now, 400+ wins, three ODAC Coach of the Year honors, one NCAA Tournament appearance, three 91短视频 Hall of Honor inductees, and countless All-ODAC award winners later, McCurdy is ready for another challenge鈥ne that he’s never quite faced before: retirement. McCurdy has announced that the 2026 season, his 23rd at 91短视频, will be his last.

“It is time,” he explained. “I’ve had other coaches tell me, ‘You will know when it’s time,’ and I knew last year it was time for me to make a move and it’s time to give the game up and move on and do something else. I appreciate and am grateful for the opportunity that I got here, and I’m very humbled with what happened. We did really well, but I knew it was time to move on and I feel really good with that.”

When McCurdy applied for the position at 91短视频, he immediately became an attractive candidate to then-Director of Athletics, Larry R. Martin, because of his track record as a head coach and his knowledge of the softball scene in the Shenandoah Valley.

“I hired him because of his success at the high school level,” Martin said. “And because of him knowing the area players for recruiting, because that’s where most of our people got recruited from, was locally.”

One of those aforementioned local players was Mariah Foltz ’17. Foltz was a standout for the Broadway High School Gobblers softball team and made the decision to come play for McCurdy after her graduation in 2013. She also came back as an assistant coach with the Royals for the 2024 season. She explained that it was his drive to win that drew her to 91短视频.

“I’ve always loved the way Coach McCurdy governs a team,” Foltz said. “He coaches with authority and wants to win. I chose 91短视频 because I wanted to continue to be a disciplined athlete, held to a high standard, and pushed to succeed. I’m grateful to JD for pushing me to be stronger, resilient, and more accountable.”

McCurdy’s first season was in 2004 and, in just his first season, more than doubled the Royals’ win total from the previous year. The number of wins continued to climb each year until, in 2007 and 2008, McCurdy’s stamp on the team was starting to be seen. In 2007, the Royals went 25-14, 10-8 in the ODAC, and McCurdy was named the ODAC Co-Coach of the Year with Randolph Macon’s Kevin Proffitt. He followed that up in 2008 with a record of 30-13, 13-5 in the ODAC, before falling in the ODAC semifinals.

Over the next two years, 91短视频 had sub-.500 records in conference play, but made it to back-to-back ODAC Championship series. They fell to Lynchburg in 2009 but made it to the mountaintop in 2010, when they knocked off Virginia Wesleyan 5-1 to win 91短视频’s second ODAC softball championship, their first since 1990, and earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament. McCurdy was rewarded for that season, as he was named, once again, the ODAC Coach of the Year.    

“JD had a knack for always having his team ready for the playoffs, regardless of what the regular season was,” said former Director of Athletics Dave King. “I didn’t hear this necessarily, but it was sort of conveyed to me several ways that nobody really wanted to draw 91短视频 in the first round of the ODAC tournament, and that one of his championships comes from having ranked eighth and come all the way through to the championship. And I never could figure out what it was about his coaching that did that. Again, I wasn’t there at every practice and all that, but he had a knack. His teams played well in the ODAC tournament, and to me that says something.”

Despite winning an ODAC championship, and not having another losing season until 2019, McCurdy explained that in his 23 years at the helm, he’s had to adapt his coaching style to meet the needs of his players over the years.

“I felt like I could adjust to any situation with that,” he said. “But kids 10 years ago were different than they are now, obviously. And I always felt that I could find a way, a button, that motivated them in some way. And even early on, I was hard. I was really a hard coach early on. I pushed my players, I pushed those kids, but whatever happened within the team, I never let that bother the focus of what we wanted to do for the team and as a team.”

Aislinn Bowen ’16 said it was that pushing and the drive that made McCurdy the successful coach that he was.

“JD succeeds because he is consistent, detail-driven, and genuinely invested in his players,” she said. “He prepares harder than anyone, whether it is breaking down film, adjusting game strategies, or finding the right way to motivate his athletes. But what really sets him apart is his ability to build relationships. He doesn’t just coach players; he develops people. When you are playing for someone who truly invests in you, you naturally want to give everything you have. That culture of commitment and accountability is why his teams win.”

While his teams haven’t seen quite the same success in recent years as at the start of his career, his drive to develop players, and people, has never wavered.

“Coach McCurdy has been a consistent support in my life since an early age,” said Grace Fravel ’25. “He was committed to getting me to 91短视频, and I felt confident in my decision because I knew that he truly cared, not only about my athletic career, but also my academic journey and personal well-being. Not only was he a coach of mine, but he is also someone I knew I could always count on to help me navigate challenging times throughout my four years at 91短视频. His love for the game and his players is well-known on and off the field. I feel extremely grateful to have had him as my coach, and I know that he has impacted many ladies’ lives far beyond just my own.”

But now, the time has come. After the season comes to an end, whenever that may be, McCurdy isn’t planning on just riding off into the sunset鈥hat’s not who he is. He’s just planning on looking for that next challenge, even if it’s not on the softball field.

“I’m not quite sure what that next challenge is, but I can guarantee it’ll be something,” McCurdy explained. “I’m definitely going to be involved with my grandkids and their baseball. I’ll spend time with my wife and do some traveling. But outside of that, it’s up in the air.”

And while he may not be at 91短视频 anymore after this season, the impact he’s made will continue to be felt long after a new coach is hired.

“JD’s impact on 91短视频 Softball is significant and lasting,” said Carrie S. Bert ’97, 91短视频’s Director of Athletics. “Over the course of his career, he elevated the program, highlighted by an ODAC championship and more than 400 career wins. These milestones reflect both longevity and competitive excellence. He has been widely respected by local coaches, colleagues across the ODAC, and peers from all levels of the game for his knowledge, competitiveness, and long-standing commitment to softball. JD invested deeply in the sport and in this institution, and his commitment to recruiting and developing local student-athletes strengthened our connection to the surrounding community. We are grateful for the many years he dedicated to 91短视频 and for the role he played in advancing our softball program during his tenure. JD has certainly earned a well-deserved retirement and we wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

91短视频 will conduct a national search for McCurdy’s replacement, beginning later this month. Interested candidates may visit emu.edu/careers-at-emu for more information once the position is posted.  

91短视频’s final ODAC Hall of Famer, Lehman had a standout volleyball career for the Royals. She was an AVCA South Regional All-American in 1986. She was a three-time ODAC Player of the Year (1984, 1985, and 1986) and was a four-time All-ODAC First Team honoree.

While at 91短视频, her teams won four straight ODAC Championships from 1983-86. At the time of her graduation, she was 91短视频’s all-time leader in career service aces with 203, and set the single-season service aces record with 108. After her graduation in 1987, she became the first woman to have her jersey retired. She was also inducted into the 91短视频 Hall of Honor immediately following her graduation, as a part of the class of 1987.

After leaving 91短视频, Lehman had a strong career on the sidelines as a women鈥檚 volleyball coach at the Division I and Division III levels. At DI Campbell University, she patrolled the sidelines from 1994-97. In her four seasons, she coached the Camels to 69 wins, and is second all-time in career coaching wins at the school.

Lehman then earned her doctoral degree in exercise science from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and returned to coaching at DIII Goshen College. She was the head coach of the Maple Leafs women鈥檚 volleyball team from 2004 to 2008. She is also a professor and department chair of kinesiology at Goshen.

Lehman, along with 91短视频’s three other ODAC Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the men’s basketball game against Roanoke inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.听

It could be argued that Kratz is the most successful athlete to come out of 91短视频. A four-year member of the Diamond Royals, Kratz was an NCAA Second Team All-American in 2002 and a First Team All-South Region honoree in 2001 and 2002. Those two seasons also saw Kratz named the ODAC Player of the Year and All-ODAC First Team. He was named All-ODAC Second Team during the 2000 season.

He holds the ODAC and 91短视频 career record in doubles (77), hits (220), and putouts (1019), and the 91短视频 record in runs scored (147), home runs (33), RBIs (159), batting average (.415), slugging percentage (.762), total bases (404), and games played (155). Kratz had his jersey retired after his final game in 2002, and was inducted into the 91短视频 Hall of Honor in 2012. 听

He was drafted in the 2002 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, and made his MLB debut in 2010 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his 11-year MLB career, he played for the Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2019, he was selected for Team USA in the 2019 WBSC Premier12, in which he was named the best catcher of the tournament.

Kratz is now the head varsity baseball coach at Dock Mennonite Academy, where he graduated from in 1998. He is also a co-host of the YouTube podcast Foul Territory.听

Kratz, along with 91短视频’s three other ODAC Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the men’s basketball game against Roanoke inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.听听

Hensley had one of the best women’s basketball careers in ODAC history. A four-year standout for 91短视频, she played in Harrisonburg from 1988-92. During that time, she was named a Kodak All-American Honorable Mention (1992) and a Kodak Regional All-American (1992). At the time of her graduation, she was the ODAC’s all-time leading scorer and would hold that honor for six years. She currently sits fourth all-time in the ODAC for total points with 2,163. That number is also tops in the 91短视频 record book, along with being the Royals’ all-time leader in scoring average at 22.5 points per game. She led all of Division III in scoring when she averaged 29.8 points per game during the 1992 season.

She was a two-time All-ODAC First Team member and a two-time All-ODAC Second Teamer. She was also named to the VaSID All-State First Team in 1992. Hensley had her jersey retired in 1992, becoming the first women’s basketball player to have that honor. She was also inducted into the 91短视频 Hall of Honor in 1992.

After leaving 91短视频, she earned her master鈥檚 degree from James Madison University. She was an administrator in Shenandoah County for 15 years, including serving as the principal at Central High School from 2012-19. During that time, she was named the 2016 Virginia Secondary Principal of the Year and Central was named a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School. In 2019, Hensley was named the principal at Harrisonburg High School.听

Hensley, along with 91短视频’s three other ODAC Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the men’s basketball game against Roanoke inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.听听

A pioneering coach, co-athletic director, and professor at 91短视频 in the 1960s and 鈥�70s鈥攁nd the youngest daughter of John R. Mumaw, 91短视频鈥檚 fourth president from 1948-65鈥�Miriam 鈥淢im鈥� Mumaw 鈥�61, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away on Dec. 5, 2025.

During her tenure at 91短视频 (then known as Eastern Mennonite College or EMC), Mumaw coached the school鈥檚 first women鈥檚 basketball (1966-75), women鈥檚 volleyball (1968-79), and field hockey (1970) teams. She achieved the most success with the volleyball team, winning a state championship over James Madison University in 1973 and posting a perfect 21-0 season in 1976. Her overall record with the squad stands at 151-99. Mumaw was inducted into the in 2002. Only three other coaches share that distinction.

Those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Mumaw, either on 91短视频鈥檚 campus or at Washington Community Fellowship (WCF), describe her as a people person who greeted everyone she met with warmth. They speak highly of her meticulous attention to detail, which shone brightly in her volunteer service to WCF and in her career at Gammon & Grange Law Offices, where she worked for more than 40 years. They also remember her for her love of baseball, particularly the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals, and her generosity in sharing her season tickets with others.

Mumaw was a beloved mentor, leader, and friend, known by many for her deep commitment to 91短视频 and her congregation.

鈥淪he was a titan, a fierce advocate for women in athletics and for 91短视频 in general,鈥� said Carrie S Bert, the first woman to serve as 91短视频 athletics director.

Dave King 鈥�76, 91短视频鈥檚 athletics director for 17 years before Bert, agreed. 

鈥淢im advocated for the expansion of women鈥檚 sports at a time when that wasn鈥檛 supported by many in the institution, including her father who had been president of the college,鈥� said King. 

During one of her visits to the 91短视频 Athletics Suite, Bert recalled, Mumaw had shared with her how her father, likely reflecting the feelings of the wider church, had opposed the growth in women鈥檚 physical activities at 91短视频. 鈥淢im just laughed and said, 鈥榃ell, that wasn鈥檛 going to stop me 鈥� we just had to agree not to talk about it,鈥欌�� shared Bert. 

鈥淢im was always so encouraging of me, both in words of affirmation and in the wonderful way she would squeeze my hand while we chatted,鈥� Bert said. 鈥淚 could feel her positivity and enduring support in those moments.鈥�

King told the that he first met Mumaw when he arrived as a student in 1972, but 鈥渉ad no idea of the trailblazer she was and the impact she had on women鈥檚 sports鈥� until he returned as director of athletics in 2005. 鈥淏esides coaching women鈥檚 sports and teaching PE classes, her involvement with the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) exposed EMC athletics to the broader collegiate athletic community and elevated the EMC sports programs,鈥� King said.

Growing up in a glass bowl

Mumaw was born on Jan. 14, 1938, in Harrisonburg, the youngest of five daughters, to John R. and Esther Mosemann Mumaw. She was 10 years old when her father, a professor and ordained minister, took office as president, succeeding John L. Stauffer. He would serve in that role for the next 17 years.

鈥淭hat was an important part of her growing up,鈥� said Byron Peachey, a nephew of Mumaw and longtime 91短视频 staff member. 鈥淪he lived down the road on College Avenue and EMC was an even smaller community than it is now. Everybody knew everybody else鈥檚 business. And so for her and her four older sisters, there was a spotlight on them and a set of higher expectations for what they did and how they conducted themselves.鈥�

Mumaw graduated from 91短视频 in 1961 with a degree in business education. She then taught business education classes at Iowa Mennonite School for four years.

鈥淭hat would鈥檝e been an opportunity for her to spread her wings, outside of this glass bowl at 91短视频 where everybody knew her,鈥� Peachey said.

In 1964, while Mumaw was in Iowa, her mother died 鈥渧ery suddenly,鈥� Peachey said. She returned to Harrisonburg to care for her father (in 1965, he married Evelyn King, former dean of women for 91短视频, and resigned as president).

Hired by 91短视频鈥檚 fifth president (1965-80) Myron S. Augsburger, Mumaw coached the school鈥檚 first women鈥檚 intercollegiate athletic teams, including women鈥檚 basketball, volleyball, and field hockey. 

鈥淭hat was groundbreaking for EMC,鈥� Peachey said. 鈥淪he was a real innovator. 鈥楾railblazer鈥� is an overused word, but she truly was one.鈥�

In 1968, after completing her master鈥檚 degree at the University of Iowa, Mumaw began teaching accounting and physical education courses at 91短视频. She also served as co-athletic director and co-chair of the physical education department.

Sandy Brownscombe, coach of 91短视频 women鈥檚 basketball (1978-89), field hockey (1978-93), and men鈥檚 volleyball (1991-98) also in the Hall of Honor, said that Mumaw held significant roles at the state, regional, and national levels within the AIAW, which governed women鈥檚 college athletics before the NCAA took over in the 1980s.

鈥淢im was a foundational figure for women鈥檚 athletics in Virginia through the AIAW,鈥� Brownscombe said. 鈥淪he started volleyball in the state of Virginia.鈥�

A life of balance

Brownscombe was finishing her master鈥檚 degree coursework at Washington State University in 1978 when she was hired to teach physical education classes and coach the field hockey and women鈥檚 basketball teams at 91短视频. Mumaw interviewed her for the job, and was tasked with finding a place for her to live.

鈥淭here weren鈥檛 any apartments available,鈥� said Brownscombe, 鈥渁nd so that鈥檚 how I ended up sharing her house with her that first year I was here.鈥�

鈥淭hat was, in my opinion, probably the best thing that ever happened to me,鈥� she added, 鈥渂ecause we spent many nights talking with each other, and she would explain to me what it meant to be a Mennonite female athlete. At that point, I was the first non-Mennonite full-time faculty member at 91短视频, so it really was my introduction to Mennonites and to EMC, and she shared that whole faith experience with me. She was like a big sister to me.鈥�

Less than a full year later, in 1979, Mumaw left for a sabbatical year in D.C. at The Fellowship Foundation. It led to her permanent move to the area.

鈥淪he felt like she had taken 91短视频 athletics to the next stage,鈥� Brownscombe said.

鈥�91短视频 women鈥檚 sports experienced much success in the 1980s, which I believe was a direct result of Mim鈥檚 commitment to developing and expanding sports activities for women,鈥� said King.

Mumaw was a founding member of , a Christ-centered faith community started by President Emeritus Augsburger (its first pastor) and his wife, Esther, in 1981 and affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. Mumaw was an active member of WCF for 43 years and served in many roles, including as presiding deacon, elder, and on the Finance, Human Resources, and Building committees.

鈥淎ny time students from WCF were attending 91短视频, Mim always made sure I knew about it,鈥� said Tim Swartzendruber, senior regional advancement director for 91短视频. 鈥淪he was an admissions ambassador for us, no question.鈥�

In 1982, Mumaw began a long career at Gammon & Grange Law Offices in Tyson鈥檚 Corner, where she served as accountant, office manager, and assistant to senior partner. She worked at the firm for more than 40 years.

She often returned to 91短视频 and continued to love and support the university. She served on the 91短视频 Board of Trustees from 1988-96.

鈥淲hen I think of Mim, I think of balance,鈥� Brownscombe said. 鈥淗er whole life was balanced. She was great as a coach, administrator, teacher, and yet she was so involved in the church, in leadership there, and in her care for people. She was one of those well-rounded people who had it all together.鈥�

鈥淪he was always positive, always optimistic,鈥� shared Peachey. 鈥淪he wanted sports to be fun for young women and for it to be a team experience. I think that was an important value she cultivated, that student-athletes experience team success rather than individual excellence.鈥�

Clockwise from front center: Miriam 鈥淢im鈥� Mumaw 鈥�61, Liz Chase Driver ’86, David Driver 鈥�85, former Orioles player Larry Sheets 鈥�83, and Stephanie Rheinheimer 鈥�13 attend an Orioles baseball game in August 2022. Sheets told writer David Driver for the Augusta Free Press: 鈥淢im was, first and foremost, a wonderful Christian woman, a huge fan of 91短视频, and a huge supporter of my career and then my son鈥檚 (Gavin Sheets鈥�) career.” (Photo courtesy of David Driver/AFP)

A connector of people

A devoted fan of the Orioles and Nationals, Mumaw was known to invite family, friends, and anyone else within her orbit to baseball games. While there, she recorded the action with a pencil and paper scorecard. 鈥淚t was in her DNA to keep track of details,鈥� Peachey said.

As a student, David Driver 鈥�85, former Weather Vane sports editor, narrowly missed the window when Mumaw was on campus. But he and his family became acquainted with her as longtime members of WCF beginning in the late 1980s.

鈥淪he was never one to talk about the role she played as a pioneer for women鈥檚 athletics at 91短视频, but her love of sports was contagious,鈥� said Driver. 鈥淚鈥檓 happy to say she made WCF a church with a lot of baseball fans.鈥�

鈥淚 know that Carrie Bert benefited greatly from having Mim as a mentor,鈥� Driver added. 鈥淲ithout Mim, there may not have been a Carrie as the first woman to serve as 91短视频 athletics director.鈥�

Long after leaving 91短视频, Mumaw continued to invest in its mission and its students. According to Swartzendruber, Mumaw included 91短视频 in her estate plans, directing support to two funds established by her parents: the Esther Mosemann Mumaw Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which benefits upperclasswomen of any major, and the John R. Mumaw Endowed Scholarship, which benefits teacher education students.

In 2018, Mumaw coordinated a fundraising effort among past and present members of WCF to increase the ongoing student impact of the Myron S. and Esther K. Augsburger Endowed Scholarship for Urban Ministry. The scholarship, valued at more than $400,000, benefits students at Eastern Mennonite Seminary who plan to serve in an urban setting. 

鈥淢im tried her hardest to attend every alumni gathering, homecoming, you name it,鈥� Swartzendruber said. 鈥淪he adored 91短视频. I always got the impression that 91短视频 felt like home to her.鈥�

In addition to her parents, Mumaw was preceded in death by her four sisters: Helen Peachey, Grace Mumaw, Catherine Mumaw, and Lois Martin. She is survived by six nieces and nephews, and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. 

鈥淪he was a single woman, never had children, never married, and so she created a community around her,鈥� Peachey said. 鈥淪he knew lots of people in lots of different walks of life. When she went to baseball games, people noticed how all the attendants knew her. She knew them all by name. She was always looking for ways to connect people together.鈥�

Thanks to Simone Horst, special collections librarian, for providing the archival images of Mumaw included in this story.

Dow was a standout on the basketball court for the Royals from 1983 to 1986. In 1985, he was named the ODAC Player of the Year. He was a four-time All-ODAC First Team and etched his name in the record books as the all-time career leader in points (2,192), rebounds (1,102), and scoring average (20.4 points per game). He also set the record for most points in a season by a first-year when he scored 534 points in his first season. His jersey was retired in 1986 and he was inducted into the in 1987.

A giant on the basketball court, Dow has been an even bigger force when it comes to his faith during the 40 years since his graduation from 91短视频. He was a founder of the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association in Philadelphia, and for nearly 20 years was a pastor at Oxford Circle Mennonite Church. In 2017, he left the church to become the vice president of community and church development for Everence, leading the effort to serve emerging diverse communities and churches that historically have been underserved.

He also serves on the board of directors for The City School, Missio Seminary, The Brooklyn Peace Center, and The Common Place.

Dow, along with 91短视频鈥檚 three other ODAC Hall of Fame inductees, will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the men鈥檚 basketball game against Roanoke inside Yoder Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.听

鈥淢y faith is extremely important to me and was the biggest deciding factor in choosing a college,鈥� said Fitton, a member of Divine Unity Community Church in Harrisonburg. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to go to a big party school, but instead wanted to grow in my faith and use my testimony to inspire others.鈥�

Fitton, who enjoys leading Bible studies, praying over people, and bringing others to Christ, said she鈥檚 excited to become a part of 91短视频 campus ministries this fall. 鈥�91短视频 offers campus worship, Bible studies, and more opportunities that you can鈥檛 find on other campuses,鈥� she said. 鈥淢any players on the volleyball team also openly express their passion for Christ, which is important to me.鈥�

The volleyball star was named Region 1B Player of the Year and received honors as a first team selection at the All-District, All-Region, and All-State levels this past season. She will play for the Royals this fall and said Coach Casey Steinbrecher was another major reason for her choosing 91短视频. 

鈥淚 remember one of my first conversations with him, he just wanted to get to know me outside of volleyball,鈥� Fitton said. 鈥淥ther coaches wanted to know my interests and that kind of thing, but Casey stuck out to me by wanting to get to know what my family was like, my background, and more before getting to know me as a player.鈥�

When she鈥檚 not on the court, she plans to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management. She said she will graduate high school with a cosmetology license and plans to earn her esthetician license either during or after college. Eventually, she said, she hopes to own and manage her own spa. 

A 鈥榣ife-changing鈥� opportunity

Fitton said her decision to attend 91短视频 鈥渇elt right.鈥� When she visited the campus early last year, she was struck by everyone鈥檚 friendliness toward her. 鈥淓veryone I walked past asked me how I was, without even knowing me,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he atmosphere on campus is refreshing. It鈥檚 quiet and peaceful while also being welcoming.鈥�

She said she looks forward to forming close connections with classmates and professors and taking advantage of 91短视频鈥檚 distinctive intercultural program. 鈥淚 love to travel and expand my understanding of the world,鈥� Fitton said. 鈥淚 believe an experience to study abroad is life-changing and opens doors for opportunity. When I visited, I knew 91短视频 was a place I could see myself for the next four years.鈥�

Read more about Reese
: Fitton named Region 1B Player of the Year and headed to 91短视频
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