Football

By: Hannah Olivera, Writer

Davidson Football is off to a slow start after suffering a 51- 14 loss at home against Georgetown University and a 55-7 defeat at Elon University. However, quarterback Coulter Cleland ‘26 is looking to turn the ship around in the coming weeks.

The upcoming contest with FCS No. 16 Tennessee Tech on Sept. 13 offers an opportunity for an upset road win. The ‘Cats return home on Sept. 20 for a clash with DIII opponent Greensboro College–a game that Davidson is heavily favored to win.

These early losses created obstacles during what was supposed to be Cleland’s comeback season: during his junior year his season ended early due to an MCL injury during an away game against none other than Georgetown. Now, he is working tirelessly to bounce back.

Cleland mentions the odd feeling of playing the Hoyas in back-to-back years as he reflects on the game on Aug. 30, noting the adjustments that come with new staff, new techniques, and the loss of key teammates to the transfer portal and graduation, including quarterback Luke Durkin ‘25, one of Cleland’s role models. “Luke Durkin is one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,” Cleland said.

Davidson’s strategy looks different this year as new players try different roles on the field and adjust to new coaching staff. However, the team remains close. That cohesion, Cleland believes, comes from the players who chose to stay despite transfers and challenges—a sign of resilience from the team in the face of adversity.

It’s clear that while the [Georgetown] score stung, Cleland is looking forwards, not backwards. “Be where your feet are,” Cleland said. “Don’t look ahead, appreciate what you have when you have it.”

Next: Davidson vs. Tennessee Tech on Sept. 13th.

Volleyball

By: Hannah Olivera

At the net, middle blocker Mia Compas ‘27 shifts momentum; in the back row, libero Adlee Grissett ‘29 fuels the defense. Together, their veteran skill and fearless energy are shaping a season of strength for Davidson volleyball.

Neither Compas nor Grissett were fully set on Davidson College at first; however, they both described falling in love with their teammates and coaches. “You find a person on the court that you can connect with,” Grissett said. “The coaching staff is very involved with the team especially. They care about us [as] people, not just players.”

That same care and commitment shaped Compas’ college journey. She attributes her growth and resilience as a player to the positive examples set by her teammates, especially this year’s seniors. “I think they told us a lot about strength and pushing through hard times,” Compas said. “I feel like our team has a lot of love. That’s our edge.”

Now, Compas is the upperclassmen teaching the lessons she learned to the new Wildcats. That energy is exactly what Compas said gives her team an advantage. “We really do care about each other, and we bring a lot of passion to the court. We just really love volleyball, we love each other, and I think that’s what gives us strength and carries us through the match.”

On Sept. 5-6, Davidson hosted its annual Wildcat Classic volleyball tournament. The Wildcats had a strong showing, sweeping Delaware State University and Elon University 3-0 before falling to Coastal Carolina University 0-3.

Next: The Wake Forest Invitational on Sept. 12.

Field Hockey

By: Anna Morrow

Davidson Field Hockey’s 2025 campaign is off to an encouraging start. On Friday, Sept. 6, Davidson went to double overtime in a close with Wake Forest University. While the ‘Cats searched for their first victory over the Demon Deacons since 1991, the result is a promising indicator for the upcoming season.

“That was the closest game we’ve had with Wake [Forest] possibly in program history to my knowledge,” midfielder Emma Stevens ‘27 said. “The Wake head coach, who has been there for 34 years, said this is the best Davidson team she has seen in her time there. Big learning moments like the Wake game, where we might not have come out with a win, illustrate our improvement as a team and our potential for the season.”

Standout performers against Wake, including Matilda Collins ‘27, who netted a penalty stroke goal, and Avery Foster ‘29, who had multiple saves, set a skillful precedent for the ‘Cats. The team drives to continue the momentum into conference play on Sept. 19 against La Salle University at the newly-renovated Carol Grotnes Belk Turf Field.

“As we move through the season, we are looking to maintain and even elevate the high level of play that we have started the season with. This is something that can be difficult with a season that ranges almost 3 months, but will be extremely advantageous once we get to post season play,” Stevens said.

Building on individual and team successes in the first four games of the 2025 season, the team is aiming for the Atlantic 10 (A10) tournament, which requires a top-four conference record to qualify. Davidson also hopes to win more games this season against a difficult non-conference schedule, with higher-ranking opponents including Stanford University and Bucknell University.

Next: Davidson Wildcats vs. Longwood Lancers on Sept. 12

Cross Country

The starting gunshot rang out at Elon University as the Davidson women’s and men’s cross country teams raced their way to a second and third place finish respectively, foreshadowing strong seasons for both teams.

Captain Molly Sullivan ‘26 has high hopes for the women’s team, which she says is young and promising. Charlotte Moor ‘29 was awarded Atlantic 10 (A-10) Cross Country Rookie of the Week for her performance in the team’s last race.

Behind individual accomplishments is a team that trains hard together and builds a strong community both on and off the course. “Our team spirit is built up by working with your other teammates during races to finish as close as possible to the top runner on the team,” Sullivan said.

Men’s cross country captain Ryan Harris ‘26 said the team often socializes and eats meals together outside of practice. “We actually enjoy being together,” Harris said. “We lay low and hydrate the day before [meets] and often all go out to dinner together.”

While the team is training vigorously for their upcoming meets, Sullivan and Harris are keeping their eyes on the prize. Recalling the team’s fifteenth place finish in the A10 Conference last year, Harris notes that he is hoping for the men’s team to place higher this year at the A-10 Conference Championship— sixth or seventh place.

With the reigning A-10 champion University of Massachusetts Amherst dropping out of the conference and a promising group of freshmen joining the team, the Wildcats have high hopes for the team’s potential.

Next: Adidas XC at North Carolina State University on Sept. 19

Men’s Soccer

Davidson College Men’s Soccer kicked off the early fall season with a 2-2 record. The ’Cats secured victories during their first two matches of the season; they claimed a 2-0 shutout against Campbell University on Aug. 21, when Alonzo Clarke ‘26 netted the first goal of the season with a header minutes before the half.

Next, the ’Cats went on to take the win from the College of Charleston, their first victory over the Cougars since 2010. Although the matches were followed by two close losses versus No. 20 Gardner–Webb University and former Southern Conference rival Furman University, Ayman Maadir ‘27 looks forward to the season ahead with confidence. George Mason [University] is going to be a very important game,” Maadir said.

The Wildcats travel to take on their nationally ranked Atlantic 10 (A-10) foe on Sept. 12. Being the first conference game of the season, Maadir feels winning it can “set our A-10 season in the right direction.”

The ’Cats welcomed five freshmen this August, and are led by seventh year Head Coach Mike Babst. “Our team is a big family,” Maadir said, who feels the Wildcat’s “high work rate” will set the group apart amongst competitors this season.

Returning players Tobe Ibe ‘28 and Myles Culley ‘28 have already begun to make some noise, scoring two goals each. Baylen Young ‘26 currently leads the ’Cats in assists this fall. Meanwhile, goalie Lucas Beltran ‘27 has already tallied 15 saves with a .682 save percentage.

Next: Davidson vs. George Mason University on Sept. 12

Women’s Soccer

Davidson Women’s Soccer has built early momentum. The Wildcats hold a 3-2-1 record through their first six matches, most notably, securing a 1-0 victory at home against North Carolina State University.

Reese Montgomery ‘29 opened up her collegiate career by scoring the first goal of the season against the University of North Carolina Greensboro on Aug. 14. Montgomery got the ball rolling with the help of an assist from Atlantic 10 (A-10) All-Rookie selection Sophia Whiddon ‘28. Whiddon and Kiera Pohan ‘27 lead the Davidson ’Cats in goals scored, both tallying two goals so far this season.

The 2025 roster also welcomes a freshman class of eight to the field. Despite being a young squad, Head Coach Riley Piechnick believes in her team’s off-the-field bond. “The team culture is the best it’s ever been,” commented Piechnick. “That translates to success on the field.”

Piechnick led a successful 2024 season and became the second Davidson coach to ever take the women’s soccer team to the A-10 tournament. When asked what moment would capture the team’s identity going forward, she reflected on the ’Cats last game of the 2024 season versus the University of Rhode Island.

“It was some of the best soccer that we’ve played […] There was a togetherness on the field. The way we played is what we remember, and we want to model that in every game we have moving forward,” Piechnick said.

Piechnick said the team’s primary goal of the 2025 season is to reclaim a position in the playoffs, and to place higher than their previous top eight spot. Conference play will begin Sept. 21, when the ’Cats will travel west to compete against Saint Louis University.

Next: Davidson vs. UNC Asheville on Sept. 14.