As spring approaches, Morningside’s sports programs are entering their seasons with confidence built on growth, depth, and strong team culture. Across every sport, both coaches and athletes emphasized preparation, belief in one another, and continued improvement.
Men’s & Women’s Golf:
Head coach Nick Wanderscheid highlighted progress across both programs, noting that the men’s team has added new players who are expected to strengthen the lineup, while the women’s team continues to show strong potential heading into the spring.
Women’s golfers Lucy Brown and Maisie Button spoke about the improvement in team chemistry and overall mindset. Brown emphasized how different and more connected the team environment feels this season, with a strong focus on helping one another improve. Button highlighted the team’s determination, shared goals, and commitment to holding each other accountable.
On the men’s side, Dylan Welford and Darragh McGrath discussed the impact of strong coaching and confidence gained from a successful fall season. McGrath also pointed to the benefits of an international roster, explaining how competing alongside teammates from multiple countries has been both a valuable golf and life experience.
Baseball:
Following a 35–14 season last year, head coach Adam Boeve said the team is excited to begin the season with a roster that returns a significant amount of experience. A challenging non-conference schedule will test the Mustangs early.
Senior Cade Nolan emphasized the team’s depth, improved speed, and increased run-scoring ability compared to last season. He also discussed the importance of mental toughness, accepting roles, and playing high-level defense. Despite a lack of early home games, Nolan said traveling together has strengthened the team’s bond and family-like culture.
Nolan also spoke about pitching development, noting a focus on increased velocity, strength, and fastball command. He highlighted the importance of attacking each moment from the first pitch and avoiding complacency, while expressing confidence and trust in the pitching staff and overall brotherhood of the team.
Softball:
Head coach Brooke Pruner said the softball program returns many key contributors and is led by an experienced group of upperclassmen. The team has carried momentum from the fall and is focused on surpassing last season’s results.
Senior pitcher Morgan Secora spoke about the team’s commitment to daily improvement, continued pitch development, and strong team chemistry. She highlighted the competitive but respectful environment in practices and noted that the offense is more aggressive than in previous seasons, pushing the pitching staff to improve. Confidence and embracing challenges were also key themes.
Pruner added that the pitching staff has continued to grow by adjusting pitches as opponents become more familiar, calling it the strongest staff she has had during her tenure as head coach.
Tennis:
Head coach Alex Struck reflected on a strong fall season, highlighted by the women’s program earning its first top-25 win in program history. With most of the lineup returning, the team enters the spring balanced and experienced.
Players Line Jensen and senior Alexis Diaz spoke about mental growth and confidence. Jensen discussed handling pressure more effectively and emphasized the importance of strong chemistry on and off the court. Diaz highlighted the responsibility that comes with individual success, focusing on mental toughness, staying calm during matches, and helping elevate teammates.
Struck also credited senior leadership and community support for helping the program gain respect and build a strong culture, especially within an internationally diverse roster.
Track & Field:
Head coach Frank Wallace said the team has been training consistently since September and is driven by a competitive mindset. He highlighted the hunger within the program, early success as a sign of momentum, and the role upperclassmen play in mentoring younger athletes.
Athletes Morgan Sachs and Lane Kreuger discussed mental growth and development. Sachs emphasized working on mental toughness, separating identity from performance, and learning to recover from setbacks, while also noting the positive energy brought by the freshmen class. Kreuger spoke about physical and mental growth, emerging as a leader on a young team, and trusting the process during the transition from high school to college.
With strong leadership, depth, and confidence across all programs, Morningside spring sports teams are positioned to compete and continue building on their recent success.
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