The 2023-24 academic year marked several first-place finishes for individuals and teams within MNU Athletics. Those collective efforts helped the university earn its first-ever Commissioner’s Cup as a member of the Heart of America Conference.
The Commissioner’s Cup is awarded annually to a member institution with the best finishes across 25 Heart-sponsored sports. MNU competes in 17 of those team sports: men’s and women’s cross country, football, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, cheer, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s outdoor track & field.
“I am extremely proud of how our programs consistently pursue excellence and the success that was realized in 2023-24 is the result of their efforts,” said Todd Garrett, MNU director of athletics. “We strive to maintain a championship culture for our coaches and players, and the Commissioner’s Cup award is another example of how they have embraced and prioritized this culture. I am grateful to our coaches and student athletes for how they represented MNU Athletics and our campus community.”
MNU won conference championships in football (South division tri-champion), men’s basketball, women’s outdoor track & field, and men’s golf. Despite finishing third in the Heart, the Pioneer Men’s Soccer team went on to win the NAIA national championship. The following teams also competed at nationals: men’s basketball, cheer, baseball, women’s outdoor track & field, and men’s golf.
“Congratulations to all of our Pioneer athletic teams,” said Dr. David Spittal, MNU president. “This is a marvelous way to recognize and affirm the leadership of Todd Garrett, the commitment of our coaches, and the gifts and accomplishments of our talented student athletes. So very proud of our Pioneers!”
MNU narrowly defeated Benedictine College (2018-19 Cup winner) and Grand View University (three-time defending Cup winner) for the 2024 Commission’s Cup.
