25 UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS 2025 MARKS EXCELLENCE, GROWTH FOR TAMIU DUSTDEVIL ATHLETICS The 2025 calendar year was one of excellence and continued growth for TAMIU Dustdevil Athletics, with record-breaking performances, academic success, and national recognition across multiple programs. In January, the men’s CrossCountry team was honored as part of the 2024 NCAA Division II AllAcademic Team, setting the tone for a year defined by achievement on the field and in the classroom. February saw 98 Dustdevil student-athletes named to the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Fall 2024 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, recognizing their dedication to academic success. Spring brought historic performances and postseason honors for several programs. In April, Women’s Golf’s Margret Nyamukondiwa recorded the program’s best-ever finish at the LSC Championship Tournament, tying for third place. TAMIU Cheer and Dance continued to shine on the national stage, with Cheer placing fifth and Dance earning an impressive second-place national finish at the NCA/NDA Collegiate Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL. May proved to be a standout month for Dustdevil Athletics. Softball’s Kennedy Griego capped off an outstanding season by being named to the Second Team All-LSC, earning the LSC Gold Glove Award at third base, and securing a spot on the NFCA Division II South Central Region Second Team. She went on to make national history, becoming an NCAA Division II Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipient at third base—marking the second consecutive year a Dustdevil earned the prestigious honor. Men’s Golf delivered a championship performance by winning the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, led by standout Elvis Steen, who finished second individually. Success continued with TAMIU’s Juan Monckeberg an individual competitor at the NCAA Division II West/South Central Regional. Women’s Golf secured a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Division II West Regional. On the diamond, Abiam Medina (Baseball) earned Third Team All-LSC honors. In coaching news, Casey Fowler was hired as the next head coach of TAMIU Women’s Basketball. The Dustdevils continued to excel academically in June - July, with 80 athletes named to the Spring 2025 LSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Volleyball program earning the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award. In August, TAMIU hosted its annual Fall Kickoff Party at Golondrina, celebrating the new sports season, while 46 student-athletes were honored with D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards for their outstanding academic performance. Fall competition brought some remarkable athletic milestones. In September, freshman Ian Rono shattered two school records, running the men’s 4-mile in 18:45 at the UIW Invitational and the 8K in 23:26.6 at the Mountaineer Meet. The department hosted the second annual Mob Fest, energizing campus spirit and student engagement. October continued the momentum as Rono captured the individual title at the LSC Championship Meet and was named USTFCCCA Division II National Athlete of the Week. Also featured was one of the department’s marquee traditions—Maroon Madness, celebrating Dustdevil pride and the basketball season kickoff. At the end of October, director of Athletics Griz Zimmermann announced his retirement after 13 years of dedicated service to TAMIU. Under his leadership, the athletics program experienced academic success, community engagement and tremendous growth, leaving behind an inspiring and lasting legacy for future Dustdevils. TAMIU Dustdevi Athletics also strengthened its staff in 2025, welcoming several new hires: Marilyn Bautista (Assistant Director, athletic development and external affairs), Ana López (assistant Maroon Madness
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