Carroll athletics were on fire in the 2025-2026 season, with many records and breakthroughs.

The women’s basketball team captured a share of the CCIW regular season title and hosted the NCAA Tournament, defeating DePauw in the first round before falling to UW-La Crosse, matching their record of one tournament win. Natalie Gricius and Emilie Wizner were named First Team All-CCIW. Gricius earned First Team All-American honors (WBCA, D3Hoops) and became the third player in program history with 1,500 points and 500 rebounds. Meanwhile, Wizner set the program record for career three-pointers made.

Carroll football featured a clear identity: run the football, win the takeaway battle and control special teams. The Pioneers broke through with a 28–17 road win at Millikin, riding Mikey Coleman’s 141 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Reed Breckheimer. The following week’s Homecoming victory, 24–10 over North Park, featured explosive plays through the air and a defense that generated four takeaways to salt it away. Breckheimer and Coleman were named First Team All-Conference. Breckheimer also became the first First Team All-American (AP / D3football.com) in program history and was invited to the Miami Dolphins minicamp, marking a historic milestone for Carroll football.

Women’s bowling captured the CCIW Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, earning the Pios first NCAA Tournament victory in bowling with a win over Fayetteville State. The Pioneers also claimed their first event title in program history at the D3 National Invite. Ava Butt was named CCIW Co-Player of the Year and earned the Elite 26 Award, while Miley Brooks was named First-Year Athlete of the Year. Both were also First Team All-Conference selections.

The Pioneers men’s soccer team returned to the CCIW Tournament for the second straight year, finishing 6–10–2 (3–4–1 CCIW) and earning the No. 5 seed. The quarterfinal at North Park turned into a defensive chess match, with sophomore Uriel Garcia delivering a standout in net to force overtime before the Vikings prevailed 1–0 (OT). The fall also showcased a blend of senior leadership and promising newcomers. Marti Solanelles (career 25-goal scorer entering the year) provided the creative spark, while Iskander Sharipov added vital scoring punch during conference play. Midfielder Matthew Meke was named to the All-CCIW First Team, anchoring the midfield with veteran poise and playmaking ability.

Women’s lacrosse won the regular season conference championship for the second year in a row, but fell in the CCIW Championship game to Carthage, ultimately falling just short of reaching the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row. Elizabeth Wang was named CCIW Offensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row, Grace Tumilty was named CCIW Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Paige Helms earned First-Year Athlete of the Year honors. Carroll placed five players (Elizabeth Wang, Grace Tumilty, Sam Hurd, Sierra Skack, and Devon Duym) on the All-Conference First Team. Additionally, USA Lacrosse Magazine named Wang and Tumilty honorable mention All-Americans.