Missouri State

Olympic Champion Lochte to Join Missouri State Swimming Staff

Sun, 10 May 2026 13:52:00 CST

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Missouri State University swimming and diving head coach Dave Collins announced today that one of the most decorated swimmers in American history is joining his staff. Six-time Olympic champion Ryan Lochte will join the Bears as an assistant coach for both the Missouri State men's and women's teams later this summer.

Lochte, 41, comes to Springfield after an iconic swimming career that has included memorable performances in four Olympic games and featured 12 total Olympic medals. He is the third-most decorated swimmer in Olympic history in terms of medals won, trailing only United States legends Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.

"We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the coaching staff," said Collins. "His experience and proven success at the highest levels of our sport will have an immediate impact on our program and our student-athletes. Beyond his lengthy list of accomplishments as an athlete, Ryan has a work ethic that will translate very well on deck as a coach. When you have the opportunity to bring in one of the best ever in our sport, you do everything you can to make it happen. Adding Ryan to the staff at Missouri State further shows the forward momentum of our program and the commitment we have from our administration."

"What stood out to me about Missouri State is the culture," Lochte explained. "There's a strong sense of purpose, accountability, and team-first mentality. You can tell this is a program that's building something meaningful and sustainable. Dave (Collins) and Chelsea (Dirks-Ham) have created an environment that emphasizes development, not just performance, and that really resonates with me. Their vision for the program aligns with how I see the sport -- developing complete athletes and great people. Being able to learn from them while also bringing my own experience to the table made this opportunity feel like the right fit."

Born in New York and raised in Daytona Beach, Fla., Lochte was a 24-time swimming All-American at the University of Florida where he earned his degree in Sport Management in 2007. During his collegiate career under the direction of coach Gregg Troy, he was the NCAA Swimmer of the Year twice, a seven-time NCAA champion, a seven-time SEC champion, and broke American records in the 200-yard individual medley and 200-yard backstroke.

"This opportunity (at Missouri State) means everything to me," Lochte explained. "Swimming gave me structure, purpose, and a platform to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. To now step into a coaching role and pour that experience back into student-athletes is something I take seriously. At this level, it's about more than times and results. It's about helping young men and women build discipline, resilience, and confidence that will carry them far beyond the pool. I've lived the highs and the challenges of this sport, and I want to use that perspective to guide them, support them, and help them reach their full potential both in and out of the water."

After college, the multi-stroke standout broke the 100-meter IM world record on Dec. 15, 2012 (50.71) and later swam the fastest 200 IM time ever with a mark of 1:49.63 at the same event. He represented the United States at the Olympics in Athens (2004), Beijing (2008), London (2012) and Rio (216) and was part of the gold medal 4x200 meter freestyle relay teams at all four Games. He still holds part of the world record in the long course 4×200-meter freestyle relay.

Lochte has earned the American Swimmer of the Year Award twice and the FINA Swimmer of the Year three times. He has also won 90 medals in major international competition (54 gold) spanning the Olympics, the World Championships, Pan American Games and Pan Pacific Championships with 39 world championship titles.

"From a personal standpoint, this is a new chapter that I'm truly excited about," Lochte said of his new position. "Swimming has given me so much, and this is my chance to give back in a meaningful way. I'm coming into this role with humility, hunger, and a genuine passion to make an impact. I want to be someone these athletes can trust — not just as a coach, but as a mentor who understands what they're going through. This opportunity isn't something I take lightly. It's about building relationships, contributing to a winning culture, and helping shape the next generation — not just as swimmers, but as people."

Collins recently completed his 14th season as Missouri State's head coach. He is a 13-time conference coach of the year with 12 league championships on the women's side and four on the men's side in that span. The Mo State men's squad is coming off a championship run at the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference meet. Chelsea Dirks-Ham joined the Missouri State swimming staff in 2012 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2017 after a hall of fame swimming career with the Bears as a student-athlete from 2007-11.

Lochte's hire is contingent upon formal approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting.

#WeAreMoState

Bears Climb to Fifth After Two Days at CUSA Championships

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:50:00 CST

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Missouri State track and field opened the 2026 Conference USA Outdoor Championships on Thursday with points in the 10,000-meter run and multiple athletes advancing to Saturday's finals at Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

Day 1 Recap
The Bears closed the opening night with eight team points after a strong showing in the 10,000-meter run. Amy Gotfredson led Missouri State with a fourth-place finish, crossing in 36:12.17 to earn five points. Riley Bryan followed in seventh with a time of 36:22.96, while Addysen Clark placed eighth in 36:31.26.

Elsa Henry also posted a personal best in the event, finishing 10th in 36:54.53, while Madilyn Moore rounded out the Bears' 10,000-meter entries in 16th with a time of 37:56.32.

Missouri State also advanced three athletes to Saturday finals on the track. Ella Cronhardt qualified in the 1,500-meter run, finishing sixth in the prelims with a time of 4:31.06. Olivia Rogers moved through in the 100-meter dash, placing sixth in 11.70, while Claire Farrell earned an automatic qualifying spot in the 400-meter dash after finishing fourth in 54.78.

In the 100-meter dash prelims, Delaney Weimer finished 10th in 11.90, followed by Kayleigh Jenkins in 18th at 12.03, Shackera Douglas in 19th at 12.07, Brianna Howard in 21st at 12.14, Rakiya Lang in 22nd at 12.16 and Alyssa Ball in 26th at 12.28.

Cheria Galbreath represented the Bears in the 100-meter hurdles prelims, finishing 13th with a time of 14.59. In the 400-meter prelims, Whitney Farrington placed 10th with a season-best 55.54, Jordyn Buckley finished 11th in 55.57 and Raegan Foster was 19th in 57.88.

Sadie McCulloh began the heptathlon on Thursday, competing in the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200 meters. McCulloh opened with a time of 15.16 in the 100-meter hurdles before clearing 1.48 meters in the high jump. She added a mark of 10.54 meters in the shot put and closed the first day with a time of 26.66 in the 200 meters.

Shiloh Cross also competed in the long jump, finishing 22nd with a mark of 5.52 meters.

Missouri State Day 1 Results
100-Meter Dash Prelims
6. Olivia Rogers – 11.70q
10. Delaney Weimer – 11.90
18. Kayleigh Jenkins – 12.03
19. Shackera Douglas – 12.07
21. Brianna Howard – 12.14
22. Rakiya Lang – 12.16
26. Alyssa Ball – 12.28

100-Meter Hurdles Prelims
13. Cheria Galbreath – 14.59

400-Meter Dash Prelims
4. Claire Farrell – 54.78Q
10. Whitney Farrington – 55.54
11. Jordyn Buckley – 55.57
19. Raegan Foster – 57.88
1,500-Meter Run Prelims
6. Ella Cronhardt – 4:31.06Q

10,000-Meter Run
4. Amy Gotfredson – 36:12.17
7. Riley Bryan – 36:22.96
8. Addysen Clark – 36:31.26
10. Elsa Henry – 36:54.53
16. Madilyn Moore – 37:56.32

Long Jump
22. Shiloh Cross – 5.52m

Heptathlon 100-Meter Hurdles
11. Sadie McCulloh – 15.16

Heptathlon High Jump
12. Sadie McCulloh – 1.48m

Heptathlon Shot Put
8. Sadie McCulloh – 10.54m

Heptathlon 200 Meters
11. Sadie McCulloh – 26.66

Team Points Through Day One
Missouri State – 8 points

Day 2 Recap
Missouri State track and field continued competition at the Outdoor Championships on Friday, adding points in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and heptathlon while advancing two athletes to Saturday's 400-meter hurdles final. Through two days of competition, Missouri State sits fifth in the team standings with 23.5 points.

Missouri State's biggest scoring event of the night came in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, where the Bears placed three athletes inside the top seven. Ella Cronhardt led the way with a fourth-place finish, crossing in 10:25.06 to earn five points. Adrien Martens followed in sixth with a time of 10:42.40, while Mary Margaret Harris placed seventh in 10:44.33.

Ella Rew finished ninth in the steeplechase with a time of 10:48.48, and Emily Nuttall rounded out the Bears' entries in 14th at 11:26.42.

Sadie McCulloh added to the Bears' point total with a seventh-place finish in the heptathlon. McCulloh closed the multi-event competition Friday with three events, highlighted by a fourth-place finish in the heptathlon javelin throw at 37.32 meters. She also placed sixth in the heptathlon long jump with a mark of 5.64 meters and finished ninth in the 800 meters with a time of 2:34.89.

Missouri State's strongest qualifying effort of the day came in the 400-meter hurdles. BreAna Garrett earned an automatic qualifying spot after finishing second in the prelims with a time of 1:01.28. Cheria Galbreath also moved through to the final, placing seventh with a time of 1:02.21. Bella Redman finished ninth in 1:03.06.

Olivia Rogers led the Bears in the 200-meter dash prelims, finishing ninth with a time of 23.92. Delaney Weimer followed in 14th with a time of 24.34, while Rakiya Lang placed 20th in 25.01.

In the 800-meter run prelims, Kaitlyn Hatley finished 13th in 2:13.33. Abby Meyer followed in 16th with a time of 2:14.79, and Faith Fotiades placed 19th in 2:15.22.

The Bears will close the Championships on Saturday with finals across the track and field schedule. Missouri State is set to have Cronhardt in the 1,500-meter final, Rogers in the 100-meter final, Farrell in the 400-meter final, and Garrett and Galbreath in the 400-meter hurdles final.

#WeAreMoState

Missouri State Day 2 Results
200-Meter Dash Prelims
9. Olivia Rogers – 23.92
14. Delaney Weimer – 24.34
20. Rakiya Lang – 25.01

400-Meter Hurdles Prelims
2. BreAna Garrett – 1:01.28Q
7. Cheria Galbreath – 1:02.21q
9. Bella Redman – 1:03.06

800-Meter Run Prelims
13. Kaitlyn Hatley – 2:13.33
16. Abby Meyer – 2:14.79
19. Faith Fotiades – 2:15.22

3,000-Meter Steeplechase
4. Ella Cronhardt – 10:25.06
6. Adrien Martens – 10:42.40
7. Mary Margaret Harris – 10:44.33
9. Ella Rew – 10:48.48
14. Emily Nuttall – 11:26.42

Heptathlon Long Jump
6. Sadie McCulloh – 5.64m

Heptathlon Javelin Throw
4. Sadie McCulloh – 37.32m

Heptathlon 800 Meters
9. Sadie McCulloh – 2:34.89

Team Standings Through Day Two

FIU – 75.5 points
Liberty – 68 points
Kennesaw State – 44 points
New Mexico State – 33 points
Missouri State – 23.5 points
Sam Houston – 19 points
Delaware – 15 points
Western Kentucky – 13 points
Middle Tennessee – 10 points
Louisiana Tech – 6 points
Jacksonville State – 5 points

Big Seventh Inning, Shutdown Pitching Give Bears 5-3 Win at KSU

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:02:00 CST

KENNESAW, Ga. – Brock Lucas and Max Knight combined to shut out Kennesaw State after the second inning and Logan Fyffe and Curry Sutherland hit back-to-back home runs for a four-run seventh inning to give Missouri State a 5-3 victory over the Owls Friday at Mickey Dunn Stadium.

The Bears improved to 32-17 and 20-9 in Conference USA play and can secure the No. 2 seed in next week's conference tournament with a win in Saturday's regular season finale.

Mo State trailed 3-1 after two innings, with the Owls (24-26, 12-17) hitting a two-run homer in the first and scoring after a leadoff double in the second, while the Bears plated a run in the second on singles by Jax Ryan and Carter Bergman along with an error.

Lucas (6-4) shut down the Owls for the remainder of his career-high 6.2 innings of work, and the offense ended a streak of eight consecutive outs by drawing a pair of walks to begin the seventh to knock out starter Cooper McMullen.

Fyffe then sent the first pitch thrown by KSU reliever Ty Bayer 402 feet over the left field wall for a 4-3 lead, and Sutherland followed with his 15^th homer of the season to make it 5-3.

In relief of Lucas, Knight retired the first six hitters he faced with four strikeouts, then worked around a pair of singles before the final out secured his fourth save.

The Bears and Owls finish the series at noon Central on Saturday.

#WeAreMoState

Cermenelli Earns Academic Honors from CUSA

Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:00 CST

DALLAS – Missouri State senior Bryce Cermenelli was selected to the 11-player Conference USA Baseball All-Academic Team, the league announced Friday.

A native of Norco, Calif., Cermenelli owns a 4.0 cumulative grade point average in the Professional Studies/Sports Management master's program.

On the diamond, Cermenelli is batting .356 with two homers and 12 doubles and put together a 26-game hitting streak earlier this season, the fourth-longest in program history. He has a hit in 34 of 37 starts and owns a stellar .985 fielding percentage primarily at second base.

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Baseball Bears Win Series Opener at Kennesaw State

Thu, 14 May 2026 20:41:00 CST

KENNESAW, Ga. – Missouri State got solid pitching from a trio of hurlers and did all its scoring in the first four innings Thursday at Mickey Dunn Stadium to earn at 5-3 victory in the series opener at Kennesaw State.

Jason Schaaf (4-2) pitched five innings for the win, reaching that mark for the seventh consecutive start, Ross Felder fanned three in an inning and Tyler Charlton struck out three in three scoreless frames for his fifth save.

The Bears (31-17, 19-9 Conference USA) put their first three runners on to open the game and scored on a Curry Sutherland RBI double and RBI ground out from Taeg Gollert.

The Owls (24-25, 12-16) got one back in the second before a two-out rally of Jax Ryan's single followed by Carter Bergman's team-leading 15^th home run of the season put the Bears up 4-1 in the third.

Kennesaw State hit a solo homer in the fourth, its only extra-base hit of the game, to make it 4-2, and Mo State answered in its next at bat when Gabe Roessler hit a leadoff single and scored on Sutherland's sacrifice fly.

The home team opened the seventh with consecutive singles but only came away with one run thanks to a double play, and Charlton carried that momentum through the remainder of the game on the mound.

The Bears moved into a tie for second in the CUSA standings thanks to Liberty's loss at Middle Tennessee, with game two of their series with the Owls set for 5 p.m. Central on Friday.

#WeAreMoState

Alumni Association to Host KC and St. Louis Events Featuring Casey Woods

Mon, 4 May 2026 15:47:00 CST

SPRINGFIELD -- The Missouri State University Alumni Association will be hosting a pair of regional "Bear Gatherings" in early June, giving alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to connect with university leadership and meet new head football coach Casey Woods.

The events will feature remarks and updates from Missouri State President Richard B. Williams and Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell, along with a preview of the upcoming football season under Coach Woods.

The first event will take place in St. Louis on Friday, June 5 followed by the Kansas City gathering on Monday, June 8. An RSVP is requested at the link below.

"These gatherings are a great opportunity to strengthen the connection between our supporters and the university, while sharing the excitement surrounding Missouri State football," said Vice President for University Advancement Brent Dunn. "We're looking forward to introducing coach Woods, providing updates from university leadership and giving fans a glimpse of what's ahead."

Both events are free and open to alumni and fans and will include free drinks and appetizers. Guests are encouraged to wear BearWear and join fellow supporters in celebrating the momentum and future plans at Missouri State.

St. Louis Alumni & Friends Gathering
Friday, June 5
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
4 Hands Brewery at The District
Chesterfield, MO

Kansas City Alumni & Friends Gathering
Monday, June 8
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Kansas City, MO

To RSVP and register for these free meet-and-greet events, please click HERE or email Alumni@MissouriState.edu.

#WeAreMoState

Koranda Earns NFCA All-Region Nod

Thu, 14 May 2026 11:58:00 CST

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Missouri State softball's Emily Koranda was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Midwest All-Region Third Team, the organization announced today. She is one of four players to represent Conference USA on the NFCA Midwest All-Region teams.

In her freshman campaign, Koranda posted a 2.76 ERA with a 13-14 record in the circle. She hurled 11 complete games, tossed four shutouts, pitched 160.0 innings and tallied two saves. With 104 strikeouts on the season, Koranda owned the most K's by a Mo State pitcher since Steffany Dickerson (178) in 2022 and the most by a Bears freshman hurler since Erin Struemph (155) in 2014.

At the end of the regular season, Koranda ranked 13^th in wins, 18^th in strikeouts and 22^nd in ERA amongst freshmen in NCAA Division I.

The Marion, Iowa native was named to the CUSA All-Freshman team, was a two-time CUSA Freshman of the Week and was once named CUSA Pitcher of the Week during the 2026 season.

This marks the second all-region team member for head coach Kasey Griffith.

#GoBears

Bears Step Into Championship Lane at CUSA Outdoors

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:24:00 CST

Missouri State at CUSA Outdoor Championships (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
Date & Event Times	Thursday, May 14: 9:30 a.m. \| Friday, May 15: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16: 11:00 a.m.
Location	Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Site	Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium
Follow Along	Meet Schedule \| Live Results Live Stream: Day 1 \| Day 2 \| Day 3
Missouri State	Track & Field Home Page \| Record Book \| Twitter \| Facebook

SPRINGFIELD - Missouri State women's track and field travels to Murfreesboro, Tenn., this week for the 2026 Conference USA Outdoor Championships, hosted by Middle Tennessee from May 14-16.

Keeping Track of the Bears

The Bears enter the postseason following one of their strongest weekends of the spring at the SMU Invitational, where they recorded three event wins and added six marks to the program's all-time top-10 list.
Missouri State has continued to build across the outdoor season, with record-book performances in the sprints, distance events, hurdles, relays, jumps and javelin. The Bears will look to carry that late-season progress into the conference championship stage.

Distance Group Enters with Depth

Missouri State's distance group has been one of the team's biggest strengths throughout the outdoor season, led by Ella Cronhardt's record-setting spring.
Cronhardt broke the school record in the 1,500-meter run at the SMU Invitational, finishing in 4:22.89. She also moved into the program's top 10 in the 800 meters and earlier this season posted the second-fastest 3,000-meter steeplechase time in Missouri State history. Her range gives the Bears a scoring threat across multiple events entering the weekend.
Mary Margaret Harris also added her name to the record book at SMU, running the third-fastest 1,500-meter time in program history with a mark of 4:26.43. Harris has been a steady piece of Missouri State's distance group and adds another championship-level option in the middle-distance events.
The Bears have also received strong production in the longer races. Adrien Martens won the 3,000-meter steeplechase at SMU and moved to No. 10 all-time in program history, while Riley Bryan captured the 5,000-meter title with another top-10 program mark. Amy Gotfredson, Madilyn Moore, Ella Rew and Emily Nuttall have helped give Missouri State added depth in the distance events heading into the conference meet.

Sprint Group Looks to Carry Speed Into Championship Weekend

Olivia Rogers has led the Bears' sprint group throughout the outdoor season and enters the CUSA Championships coming off one of her best performances of the year.
Rogers ran a personal-best 11.50 in the 100-meter dash at the SMU Invitational, tying for seventh all-time in program history. She has been one of Missouri State's most consistent sprinters this spring and will look to continue that form on the conference stage.
The Bears' 4x100-meter relay has also been one of the team's most reliable events. Missouri State set a facility record at the Mo State Invitational in April before lowering its season-best time to 44.91 at SMU. The relay has continued to sharpen throughout the year and could give the Bears an early spark at the championship meet.
Claire Farrell gives Missouri State another strong option in the long sprints. Farrell ran 54.11 in the 400 meters at the John McDonnell Invitational, the sixth-fastest time in program history, and has also been a key piece of the Bears' 4x400-meter relay.

Hurdles, Jumps and Javelin Add Scoring Chances

BreAna Garrett has paced Missouri State in the 400-meter hurdles this spring. Garrett won the event at the Mo State Invitational with a time of 1:00.93 and has remained the Bears' top performer in the event throughout the outdoor season. She enters the conference meet looking to push toward the one-minute mark.
In the jumps, freshman Shiloh Cross has continued to give Missouri State a consistent scoring presence. Cross won the triple jump at the Mo State Invitational and later posted a season-best mark of 12.31 meters at SMU. She has also added a personal best in the long jump this spring, giving the Bears another multi-event contributor in the field.
Missouri State has also built late-season momentum in the javelin. Tommi Martin threw 41.02 meters at the John McDonnell Invitational before improving to 41.24 meters at SMU. Brooklynn O'Cain and Sadie McCulloh have added depth in the event, giving the Bears multiple entries capable of competing in the field.

Championship Outlook

Missouri State enters the CUSA Outdoor Championships with several athletes trending in the right direction. The Bears have added multiple record-book marks in recent weeks, continued to improve in the relays and found scoring opportunities across several event groups.
After making their CUSA Indoor Championships debut earlier this year, the Bears now shift to their first outdoor conference championship as a member of the league. Missouri State will look to turn its late-season progress into points across three days in Murfreesboro.

#WeAreMoState

Mo State Student-Athletes Log Record Semester in Classroom

Wed, 13 May 2026 09:12:00 CST

SPRINGFIELD - As a department, Missouri State University's student-athletes combined for a record 3.391 grade-point average with more than 6,100 academic hours of class time for the spring 2026 semester, the university has announced.

It marks the highest semester GPA on record for the department with 17 teams eclipsing a 3.0 grade-point average or better for the term. The performance exceeds the department's previous semester standard of 3.368, set during the fall 2024 semester.

#WeAreMoState

Baseball Bears Conclude Regular Season at Kennesaw State

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:05:00 CST

Missouri State at Kennesaw State
Game 1	May 14, 5 p.m. CT Mickey Dunn Stadium Kennesaw, Ga. ESPN+ \| Live Stats \| Listen Radio: KBFL 96.9FM/1060 AM
Game 2	May 15, 5 p.m. CT Mickey Dunn Stadium Kennesaw, Ga. ESPN+ \| Live Stats \| Listen Radio: KBFL 96.9FM/1060 AM
Game 3	May 16, 12 p.m. CT Mickey Dunn Stadium Kennesaw, Ga. ESPN+ \| Live Stats \| Listen Radio: KBFL 96.9FM/1060 AM
Missouri State	Game Notes Baseball Home Page Media Guide
Opponent	Kennesaw State
Follow the Bears	Twitter \| Instagram \| Facebook #GoBears \| #WeAreMoState
Bears Mobile App	App Store (Apple Devices) Google Play Store (Android Devices)

Starting 9
1) Missouri State (30-17, 18-9 Conference USA) finishes regular season play this week with a three-game series at Kennesaw State (24-24, 12-15). The Bears and Owls will play at 5 p.m. Central on Thursday and Friday before a noon Central finale on Saturday.
Mo State will get familiar with Kennesaw as the CUSA Tournament commences there on May 20.

2) The Bears enter the final weekend alone in third place in the CUSA standings and can finish anywhere from second to fifth in the league.

3) Missouri State is ranked 24th in the NCAA RPI through May 10. The Bears have played the 32nd-toughest schedule in Division I, with opponents combining for a .568 winning percentage, and are projected to finish 37th in that metric.

4) The Bears have homered in 196 of the last 233 games, including 41 of 47 this season, and rank 10th nationally with 511 long balls since the beginning of the 2022 season, when head coach Joey Hawkins took over as hitting coach. Mo State ranks 2nd in Conference USA and 15th nationally this year with 89 homers, while leading the league in average (.300), slugging (.533) and OBP (.407) and sitting in the top 50 in the NCAA in all three slash categories. The current roster has combined for 191 round-trippers in their time at Mo State.

5) According to TruMedia, Missouri State leads the nation in barrel percentage at 25.4%, defined as batted balls at an exit velocity of 95+ mph and launch angle between 10 and 35 degrees. The Bears also rank 11th with 47.3% of batted balls at 95+ mph, and 10th with an average exit velocity on batted balls of 90.3 mph.

6) Junior Caden Bogenpohl ranks 15th nationally with 48 walks this season after drawing 53 and 55 (season record) his first two years. He broke Bill Mueller's career record, held since 1993, on May 8 in 59 fewer games played than Mueller. Bogenpohl ranks 4th among active Division I players in career walks (156) and 15th with 177 runs scored.

7) Senior Taeg Gollert ranks 2nd among active NCAA players (all divisions) with a Missouri State-record 71 career doubles. His 114 career extra-base hits place him 2nd at Mo State behind Jason Hart (116). Gollert also ranks 4th at Mo State in RBIs with 183 and 7th among active Division I players with 438 total bases. The Toronto native ranks in the top 11 of nine career offensive categories for the Bears (more on page 20).

8) Max Knight and Curry Sutherland headline Missouri State's two-way threats this season, with both making the 15-player John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year semifinalist list. Knight has made starts at 1B, LF, RF, DH and P this year, and has 22 homers and 81 RBIs as a Bear while going 10-5 with 6 saves and 101 strikeouts in 79.1 innings. Sutherland owns career totals of 26 homers and 87 RBIs while throwing 33 innings with 40 Ks.

9) Missouri State is in its first season in Conference USA in 2026 after a 35-year run in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bears went 488-347 (.584) with 7 regular season championship and 5 tournament titles in the MVC from 1991-2025.