By Dave Caldwell
This fall, The Master’s University Athletic Department will look to continue a tradition of excellence with teams that are not only expected to compete for conference championships, but to find success on the national stage. Several teams made deep NAIA tournament runs last year, while individual athlete success included a national runner-up and an individual Golden State Athletic Conference champion. The Mustangs’ primary focus is to prepare and perform “The Master’s Way” — as an act of worship to Christ. Here’s a preview of what you can expect from TMU’s fall and winter teams on the field, the court and the course.
As always, your best source for all things TMU Athletics is gomustangs.com, where you will find schedules, stats and livestreams of games.
Theo Kudlo
Head Coach:
Jim Rickard (32nd season)
Overview
Last season, the Mustangs were predicted to finish seventh in the Golden State Athletic Conference, but strong performances in tight games saw them place third. With seven starters returning from that squad, plus key players returning healthy from injury and the addition of a talented incoming class, the Mustangs should find themselves in contention for a GSAC title.
Key Returners
Prince Chingancheke (scored two goals in eight games last year)
Aidan Rohde (2021 All-GSAC selection)
Giorgio Martino (2021 All-GSAC selection)
Theo Kudlo (2021 All-GSAC selection)
Key Newcomers
David Cloar (transfer from San Bernardino Valley College)
Silas Chavez (2x Prep League MVP)
Robert Castro (transfer from Virginia Military Institute)
Last Season
8-8-1 Overall, 5-3 GSAC (3rd)
Date to Remember
On Oct. 8, 2022, the Mustangs will host Westmont College at TMU.
Seren Tamayo
Head Coach
Curtis Lewis (17th season)
Overview
The Mustangs returned numerous key contributors from last year’s team. They’ll seek to mesh with a freshman goalkeeper, plus several young players up top. Head Coach Curtis Lewis said he liked what he saw from his players during the preseason, believing this team can compete for a GSAC title.
Key Returners
Alexandria Dunn (started 13 games on defense; two assists)
Holly McRitchie (started 16 games on defense)
Ellie Radmilovich (has totaled eight goals, 10 assists in three seasons)
Seren Tamayo (has 50 starts in her TMU career)
Key Newcomers
Bekah Micu (appeared in three games in 2021)
Sinclair Francescon (scored game-winning goal in CIF State Regional Championship)
Katelyn Leonhart (freshman from Vista Murrieta HS)
Mary Mobley (freshman from Springs Charter School)
Last Season
9-3-5 Overall, 5-3 GSAC (T-2nd)
Date to Remember
On Oct. 8, 2022, the Mustangs will host Westmont College at TMU.
Daniel Rush
Overview
The men’s cross country team made history in 2021 after capturing the team’s 12th consecutive conference championship. Led by back-to-back GSAC individual champion Davis Boggess, TMU returns five All-GSAC runners with the finish line being another conference title and higher national finish.
Key Returners
Davis Boggess (2x GSAC Individual Champion)
Daniel Rush (3x All-GSAC member)
Key Newcomers
Cedar Collins (All-State team member in Colorado, 2021)
Jack Warmack (Academic All-State selection)
Last Season
GSAC Champions; 7th at the NAIA Championships
Date to Remember
On Nov. 5, 2022, the Mustangs will go for a 13th straight conference title at the GSAC Championships in Rocklin, California.
Hannah Fredericks
Head Coach
Zach Schroeder (17th season)
Overview
TMU Women’s Cross Country is coming off its second consecutive conference title, the first time the team has ever gone back-to-back. Four of the five All-GSAC runners return, including GSAC Individual Champion and Freshman of the Year Hannah Fredricks.
Key Returners
Hannah Fredericks (2021 NAIA All-American)
Ellen Palmgren (2021 NAIA All-American)
Key Newcomers
Rebekah Niednagel (3x California state finalist)
Cora McClain (freshman from Colorado Springs)
Last Season
GSAC Champions; 6th at the NAIA Championships
Date to Remember
On Nov. 5, 2022, the Mustangs will go for a third-straight conference title at the GSAC Championships in Rocklin, California.
Faith Tarver
Head Coach
Annett Davis (3rd season)
Overview
The Mustangs started the season with 12 consecutive matches on the road. Head Coach Annett Davis saw this road test as an opportunity for several returning core players and six new players to prepare for the rigors of GSAC play and, hopefully, a run in the NAIA tournament.
Key Returners
Faith Tarver (led team in kills in 2021)
Ruby Duncan (2021 All-GSAC)
Jessica Swenning (2020 All-GSAC)
Natalie Collins (GSAC Setter of the Week, Oct 18, 2021)
Key Newcomers
Breanna Brooks (5-foot-10-inch transfer from San Diego Christian)
Ellie Fraas (freshman 6-1 middle blocker/outside hitter)
Last Season
9-19 Overall, 5-13 GSAC (9th)
Date to Remember
On Oct. 15, 2022, the Mustangs will host Westmont College inside The MacArthur Center for a GSAC showdown.
Jack Dudeck
Head Coach
Jacob Hicks (5th season)
Overview
The men’s team lost some key players from last spring’s GSAC championship squad, but it returns two-time conference Player of the Year Jack Dudeck. Add to the mix some talented freshmen, and this team should make another bid to claim a conference title and contend at nationals.
Key Returners
Jack Dudeck (2x GSAC Individual Champion; 2022 NAIA Runner-Up)
Mitchell Briley (finished tied for ninth overall at 2021 Danish Classic)
Dondon Bumacod (finished tied for sixth place overall at 2022 GSAC Championship)
Key Newcomers
Easton Johnson (course record 62 at Emporia Municipal Golf Course)
Deokwon Johnson Lee (averaged 75.56 on SCPGA Junior Tour)
Lucas O’Dell (represented Canada in the Euro Team Cup)
Seth Bishop (finished tied for seventh in 2022 Houston Junior Classic)
Last Season
GSAC Champions, T-19th at the NAIA Championship
Date to Remember
On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the Mustangs will compete in the National Preview in Mesa, Arizona.
Nicole Southard
Head Coach
Jacob Hicks (3rd season)
Overview
The ladies return almost every player as the team enters its third year of competition. Sierra Pilgrim graduated last year but returns as an assistant coach for Head Coach Jacob Hicks. Still, the team is young and continuing to grow.
Key Returners
Isabella Huff (three top-10 finishes in 2021)
Nicole Southard (finished fourth in the TMU Spring Invite)
Key Newcomers
Hannah Ulibarri (top 15 in AJGA Senior Showcase)
Peyton Grider (three top-10 finishes in California Junior Golf events)
Last Season
6th at the GSAC Championship
Date to Remember
On Oct. 11-12, 2022, the Mustangs will compete in the Danish Classic in Solvang, California.
Xavier Gutierrez
Head Coach
Curren Bates (2nd season)
Overview
Every athlete returns from last year on the men’s side, with added depth thanks to a solid incoming freshman class. Expect to see multiple team records fall and the team’s highest placings at the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference championships and NAIA nationals.
Key Returners
JT Sears (11th in 200-yard freestyle at NAIA Nationals)
Xavier Gutierrez (national qualifying time in 100-, 200-yard freestyles)
Key Newcomers
Andrew Crabtree (freestyle)
Casey Cole (freestyle)
Michael Longborough (freestyle)
Last Season
7th at Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Championships
Emma McMurray
Head Coach
Curren Bates (2nd season)
Overview
The women’s side has a strong freshman class coming in with some national title contending times. The team’s highest finisher and first swim All-American, Emma McMurray, will continue to compete for TMU in the butterfly. The record book should get some fresh ink added to it this year and, Lord willing, add some conference and national titles.
Key Returners
Emma McMurray (All-American; fourth in 100-yard Butterfly at NAIA Nationals)
Allyn-Ashley Bennett (part of TMU’s record-setting 800-yard freestyle relay)
Key Newcomers
Kylee Sears (freestyle)
Jasmine Biederman (breaststroke)
Last Season
11th at Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Championships
Ella Brubaker
Head Coach
Lisa Zamroz (2nd season)
Overview
Seven players return from last year’s highly successful team, with six newcomers joining the roster. The mix of veteran players with the incoming class should see the Lady Mustangs maintain their position as one of the most competitive teams in the GSAC and rank nationally in the NAIA polls.
Key Returners
Ella Brubaker (2022 All-GSAC)
Madeline Cooke (was second in GSAC with 48 blocks)
Lexi Hernandez (was team’s fourth-leading rebounder as a freshman)
Key Newcomers
Isabela Hernandez (top-10 in career 3-point shooting % at San Diego State)
Faith Brinkman (CalHiSports All-State selection 2021)
Marin Lenz (transfer from Midland College in Texas)
Last Season
32-4 Overall, 15-3 in GSAC (Conference Tournament Champions); Quarterfinalists in NAIA National Tournament
Date to Remember
On Nov. 30, 2022, the Mustangs will host perennial rival Westmont at 5:30 p.m.
Caden Starr
Head Coach
Kelvin Starr (7th season)
Overview
Returning just five players from last year’s team, a program that was No. 1 in the nation just four years ago will welcome 10 new players. As a whole, the team has great size and physicality, both of which are needed to contend in such a tough physical conference. If the newcomers, some of whom have good college experience, can gel well with the returners, the Mustangs should contend for another GSAC championship.
Key Returners
Kaleb Lowery (2X All-GSAC; team’s leading scorer and rebounder)
Jordan Starr (All-GSAC; three-year starter; team assist leader)
Caden Starr (averaged nine points per game over the last two seasons)
Key Newcomers
Victor Ohia Obioha (Pepperdine transfer)
Kamrin Oriol (averaged 19 ppg, shooting 45% from three as high school senior)
Christian Sweazie (transfer from University of Pikeville, Ky.; avg. 9 ppg shooting 49% from three)
Deon Earley (transfer from NCAA Division 2 Cameron University)
Miles Mendes (transfer from NCAA Division 1 Troy University)
Last Season
20-11 Overall, 7-11 GSAC (7th)
Date to Remember
On Nov. 19, 2022, the Mustangs will host defending GSAC Champion Arizona Christian.
Dave Caldwell is the sports information director at The Master’s University. You can find more of his coverage of all 17 of TMU’s athletic teams at gomustangs.com.
