Dear Ravens,
Hope your summer is off to a wonderful start! As Summer officially kicks off, we are excited to share some updates and reflect on the success that we achieved this Spring in the classroom, in the community, and on the playing field.
Thank you for your continued support of our athletic programs and our student-athletes! The incredible success that we achieve is possible with the support of loyal Ravens like you! Our athletes and coaches compete at a high level thanks to your prayers, your generosity, and your unwavering encouragement to win the right way!
Benedictine College competitors truly embrace their role as a student-athlete. By working hard in the classroom, Raven athletes posted a 3.2 overall GPA. Cheerleading (3.6) and Men's Cross Country (3.4) led the way for the Ravens. Raven Athletics had 16 of their 19 NAIA programs earn a 3.0 or higher GPA for the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, every women's team posted a 3.30 or higher GPA for the Spring 2026 semester. Individually, 46 student-athletes were named to the President's List, 148 to the Dean's List, and 553 (73%) earned an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Student-athletes who display outstanding achievements in athletics, academics, and leadership are inducted into the Kansas Epsilon Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National Student-Athlete Honor Society. This Spring, 41 Benedictine student-athletes were inducted.
Raven athletes also thrive when given opportunities to grow in their Catholic faith. On Divine Mercy Sunday, Benedictine welcomed 27 new members into the Catholic church, with many programs attending Mass together to support their teammates as they took an important step in their faith. Moreover, student-athletes serve the Atchison community through nursing home visits to the Dooley Center, High 5 Fridays at local elementary schools, and various yard work tasks such as cleaning up local parks, planting trees and flowers, and volunteering at local aid agencies.
As many of you know, the Ravens also enjoyed tremendous success on the court, field, and track this semester! Women's Basketball qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the third season in a row, after finishing as runner-up in the Heart of America Conference Tournament. With a 24-8 overall record this past season, and many key players returning to the lineup, the Lady Ravens look to keep their momentum going.
As the Spring temperatures returned, so did the Ravens and their winning ways. Softball qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the second time in program history, finishing with a 34-20 overall record. With a tough schedule all season, the Ravens were ready for a battle in the National Tournament, winning their opening round game in Williamsburg, KY. A highlight of the softball season was when Ravens' ace, Bailey Selvage, pitched a perfect game on April 19, recording 14 strikeouts in a win against Park University.
Raven Track & Field capped off their outstanding year with the Raven Men capturing the Heart Conference Outdoor Track & Field Title. The Raven Women placed second in the Conference meet. A total of 17 Ravens qualified for the NAIA National Championships, and 4 Ravens earned All-America honors. Joe Loughman won the Javelin with a 66.59m throw to become Raven Track and Field's newest National Champion.
Women's Lacrosse completed their historic season, winning back-to-back NAIA National titles. Not only did the Ravens repeat as National Champions, but they did so in dominating fashion! The Ravens finished another season undefeated, bringing their two-season record to a perfect 40-0. Kaylen Moore was named the NAIA National Player of the Year for the second straight season, and she was joined by six other Ravens who were named to the NAIA All-America Team.
Benedictine College enjoyed the honor of hosting the Heart of America Conference Women's and Men's Lacrosse Tournament in late April. Raven Athletics welcomed four women's and four men's teams to campus to compete for the Heart Conference title and earn an automatic berth into the NAIA tournament. The Benedictine men's and women's teams both competed in their respective championship games, highlighting a very special weekend on Legacy Field.
The success of our student-athletes is in large part to the hard work and dedication of our coaches, who lead with character and composure. Several Raven coaches received honors during the Spring semester, further highlighting our commitment to excellence. Clare Hanson was named the NAIA Women's Lacrosse National Coach of the Year for the second-straight time, while also picking up Heart of America Conference Coach of the Year honors. Mark Crisco was named the Heart of America Men's Lacrosse Coach of the Year, while Keaton Carney was awarded Heart Assistant Lacrosse Coach of the Year. Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, Jacob Connealy, earned Men's Track & Field Coach of the Year, while Jacob Cofer was named Track & Field Assistant Coach of the Year. Andi Connelly earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors for Women's Basketball in early 2026.
We hope you will join us on campus this Summer to connect with fellow Ravens during Raven Reunion (June 12-14) or help celebrate America 250 in Atchison by attending our new Library Open House (July 4).
Please know our commitment to making you proud as a Benedictine supporter and Raven fan remains at the highest level! We continue to Transform Culture in America at Benedictine College and in Raven Athletics by coaching and leading our student-athletes to win within the mission. The achievement of our goals is possible with your continued support and prayers!
God Bless and Go Ravens!
Charlie Gartenmayer
Director of Athletics
