Sports

Kelly Whipple, a General Business major, and member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s bowling team, was selected as the 2024-25 NCAA Division III Player of the Year in women’s bowling by the National Tenpin Coaches Association.

Whipple earned the award for the second time in her career.

Whipple is the first two-time NTCA Division III Bowler of the Year for UW-Whitewater. In addition to this season, Whipple was the DIII Bowler of the Year in 2023 and the Division III Rookie of the Year in 2022. This is the fourth straight season and sixth overall the top bowler in Division III has been a Warhawk (Rachel Nelson 2024, Caitlin Mertins 2022, Amanda VanDuyn 2016, Katie Zwiefelhofer 2014). Whipple bowled in every possible frame for UWW this season. She is the eighth-ranked anchor bowler across all divisions with an 88.6% fill rate in the 10th frame. This season, Whipple has averaged 198.9 in traditional games and 197.3 in Baker games. She boasts a fill percentage of 85.7, strike percentage of 46.3 and makeable spare rate of 82.2%.

The 2024-25 Warhawks lead Division III in five of seven statistical categories recognized by the NTCA for awards. UW-Whitewater is the top Division III program in the latest NTCA Power Index and is ranked 12th overall. This season, UWW led Division III in traditional frame average (18.82%), Baker frame average (19.13%), Baker double percentage (42.4), strike percentage (42.3) and overall spare conversion (68.8%).

UW-Whitewater will make its 10th appearance in the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships set for April 16-19 in Las Vegas. The Warhawks qualified after finishing among the top four teams in the Addison, Illinois sectional. Warhawk Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championship after finishing fifth in a field of over 200 bowlers in the sectional. The ISC is set to run April 14-16 leading into the team championship.

(UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Kacie Carollo named Regional Player of the Year for UW-Whitewater women’s basketball

Kacie Carollo, a Integrated Science-Business major from Whitewater, WI, and senior guard on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team, has been named the Region 9 Player of the Year by D3hoops.com.

Carollo, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, was recently named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy – the prestigious honor awarded to the top player in Division III. Additionally, she garnered First Team All-Region honors for the third consecutive season. An All-WIAC pick for the fourth time, Carollo was also selected to the All-Defensive Team for the third straight season.

Carollo’s 635 points this season is ranked fifth nationally. She also ranks among the top 2 in Division III in assists, field goals, free throws, points per game, rebounds and three-pointers. Over the course of the 2024-25 campaign, Carollo broke the league record for three-pointers made. She also broke the UWW program record for career rebounds, career double-doubles, points in a season, season scoring average and three-pointers made in a season.

This is the third consecutive season the Region 9 Player of the Year has been a Warhawk – joining Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) from the two previous seasons.

Photos courtesy of Kodiak Creative

Providence, RI — Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) and Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) claimed All-America honors at the 2025 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships after finishing fourth and fifth respectively Saturday. 

Peet opened Saturday with a semifinal matchup against third-seeded Cooper Willis of Augsburg. The 165-pounder bounced back from a 5-0 loss to Willis with a 6-0 win over Springfield’s Jake Deguire in the consolation semifinal. In the battle for third, Peet fell to second-seeded Tanner Gerber of UW-La Crosse by 15-6 major decision. Peet claimed his first All-America honor in his first NCAA Championship appearance with the fourth-place finish. 

Mallinder had a tough battle against top-ranked Chase Randall (Coast Guard) in his semifinal bout at 133 pounds. After the 7-2 loss, Mallinder dropped into the fifth-place match following a close 3-2 loss to fifth-seeded Jaden Hinton (Baldwin Wallace). In his final bout of the 2025 championships, Mallinder pinned third-seeded Garrett Totten (TCNJ) in just 1:54. With the fifth-place finish, Mallinder earns his second All-America honor in as many seasons – he was sixth at 133 pounds a year ago.

Team scores are not available as the championship bouts are scheduled for 7 PM ET Saturday evening. 

Friday Recap
Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) and Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) advance to the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. 

Jalen Dunson (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park River Forest) represented the Warhawks in the 125-pound weight class. Dunson opened the day with a major decision win over Connor Fiser from Loras. The junior faced conference opponent Quinten Wolbert from UWL in the second round. Dunson lost by in a close 7-5 decision. In the wrestle-back rounds, Dunson won his first by a major decision & advanced again with a take down in the overtime period against Kaden Majcher from Lycoming. His run came to an end in round in the consolation bracket to the sixth seeded Jake Craig from Southern Maine.

Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park) went 3-0 in the 133 weight class to advance to the semifinals on Saturday. Mallinder secured a major decision followed by a technical fall on riding time in the first two rounds. The junior won his quarterfinal match over Connor Kidd from Luther. Mallinder will wrestle top-seeded Chase Randall from USCGA on Saturday. 

Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore) Joins Mallinder in the semifinal round. Peet recorded three straight decisions at the 165-pound weight class. The sophmore will face third-seeded Cooper Willis from Augsburg on Saturday.  

Gavin Kohel (River Falls, Wis./River Falls) represented the Warhawks in the 184-pound weight class. Kohel seventh-seeded Tyler Winthers from Merchant Marine in the first round. In the second round of the sophmore battled but fell in a major decision. 

Full Results

125 pounds – Jalen Dunson (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park River Forest)
R1: won by MD over Connor Fiser (Loras), 11-2
R2: lost by DEC to Quinten Wolbert (UWL), 7-5
Cons R2: won by MD over Wyatt Kaczrowski (Augsburg), 13-4
Cons. R3: won in SV-1 over Kaden Majcher (Lycoming), 12-9
Cons. R4: lost by DEC to #6 Jake Craig (Southern Maine), 4-1

133 pounds – Dominik Mallinder (Roselle, Ill./Lake Park)
R1: won by MD over Daniel Haws (Centenary), 12-2
R2: won by TF over Wyatt Magolski (UWL), 17-2 (7:00)
QF: won by DEC over Connor Kidd (Luther), 10-5
SF: lost by DEC to #1 Chase Randall (USCGA), 7-2
Cons. Semi: lost by DEC to #5 Jaden Hinton (Baldwin Wallace), 3-2
5th Place Match: won by FALL over #3 Garrett Totten (TCNJ) 1:54

165 pounds – Brayden Peet (Sycamore, Ill./Sycamore)
R1: won by DEC over Konrad Parker (Ithaca), 8-2
R2: won by DEC over Mark Troni (Wash. & Lee), 8-2
QF: won by DEC over Christophe Stathopoulos (Stevens), 7-3
SF: lost by DEC to #3 Cooper Willis (Augsburg), 5-0
Cons. Semi: won by DEC over Jake Deguire (Springfield), 6-0
3rd Place Match: lost by MD to #2 Tanner Gerber (UWL), 15-6

184 pounds – Gavin Kohel (River Falls, Wis./River Falls)
R1: lost by FALL to #7 Tyler Winthers (Merchant Marine), 3:32
Cons. R1: BYE
Cons R2: lost by MD to #8 Blake Williams (Adrian), 17-4

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior guard Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) has been named a finalist for the 2025 Jostens Trophy, a national honor recognizing the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players of the year. Sponsored by Jostens, Inc. and created by the Rotary Club of Salem, the Jostens Trophy celebrates student-athletes who exemplify excellence in basketball, academics, and community service.

Carollo, a four-time All-American, has etched her name into the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball record book in numerous categories throughout her career. During her remarkable career, Carollo has become one of the most accomplished players in program history. She was named the 2024-25 WIAC Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team for the third consecutive year. This season, Carollo set several program records, including career rebounds (a record that had stood for 41 years), career double-doubles, points in a season, season scoring average and three-pointers in a season. Additionally, she broke the conference record for career three-pointers.

Carollo is arguably the best all-around player in UW-Whitewater history as the only Warhawk to record at least 1,500 points, 800 rebounds, 300 assists, 200 steals, and 50 blocks. Her all-around dominance on the court has solidified her as one of the top players in Division III women’s basketball. Carollo’s career numbers are nothing short of astonishing with 1,828 points, 902 rebounds, 371 assists, 226 steals, and 58 blocks.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Carollo excels in the classroom. She holds a 3.9 cumulative GPA as an integrated business and science major, was named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators last season and earned WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete for women’s basketball honors this season. A Chancellor Scholar Athlete, she has appeared on the Dean’s List every semester and the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll throughout her four years at UW-Whitewater.

Beyond basketball and academics, Carollo’s connection to the Whitewater community is deep-rooted. A Whitewater native, she has volunteered throughout her college career, contributing her time to Fairhaven Senior Services, organizing and participating in Hoops 4 Hunger events, and helping run youth basketball camps and clinics. Carollo is also a four-year member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and has completed two internships—one with UW Health Ambulatory Service Department and the other with Qualtrics Insurance Company. Moreover, she is a product of Warhawk women’s basketball, growing up the program with her mother, Keri, who serves and the head coach and her father, Joe, who is an assistant.

A leader through and through, Carollo is a vocal and positive force on the court and was integral to the Warhawks’ success the last four seasons. She was voted a team captain the last three seasons – an honor and testament to the trust and respect her peers have for her as a player and a person.

Carollo is the second Warhawk in as many seasons to be named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy. Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) was the recipient of the award last season.

Photo by Dane Sheehan

Scranton, PA — A phenomenal season for the UW-Whitewater women’s basketball team came to a close in the Sweet 16 following a 62-56 loss to UW-Stout. 

The Warhawks cap the 2024-25 campaign with a 24-7 record. UWW won the WIAC Tournament title for the fourth time in program history to punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the 23rd time in program history. The Sweet 16 appearance is the fourth straight for UW-Whitewater and seventh under Head Coach Keri Carollo. 

Friday’s game against UW-Stout marked just the second time two WIAC schools met in the Sweet 16, but it was the fourth time this season that the Warhawks and Blue Devils clashed. This game was like all of the others between the storied programs – a battle until the end. 

The contest was close throughout setting up a down-to-the-wire fourth quarter. The Blue Devils pushed to a seven-point lead, 50-43, at the 6:12 mark, but the Warhawks responded. Defense turned to offense as Mia Gillis (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) came up with a big block and defensive board. On the offensive end, Bri McCurdy (St. Croix Falls, Wis./St. Croix Falls) found Maggie Trautsch (Sun Prairie, Wis./DeForest) for an in-rhythm three-pointer that cut the margin to four. 

After a layup for UW-Stout, it was McCurdy’s turn to knock one down from deep, this time it was Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) on the dish, to cut the gap to 52-49. Carollo pulled down the defensive board, pushed the pace and was fouled. Her two free throws narrowed the margin to one, 52-51, with 4:33 on the clock. 

Carollo hauled in another defensive board to put UWW back on the offensive. As the shot clock ticked down, Gillis found McCurdy who drove to the lane for a floater as the buzzer sounded. The shot hit the glass and went in with the officials immediately heading to the monitor. The play on the court stood, the jumper was good and the Warhawks claimed the lead, 53-52, for the first time since the first quarter with 3:29 remaining. 

A flurry of action under the Blue Devils’ hoop on their next possession led to a layup as UW-Stout reclaimed the advantage with 2:11 on the clock. 

Neither team was able to capitalize offensively for over a minute forcing UWW to foul as the clock neared the 30-second mark. The Blue Devils made a pair from the charity stripe to widen the gap to 56-53. 

UW-Whitewater called timeout and advanced the ball to their bench side but couldn’t knock down the triple forcing the squad to foul immediately. 

Stout made both once again to make it a five-point, 58-53, game with 24 left. The Warhawks called timeout and advanced the ball. This time Carollo drilled the three to pull UWW within two with under 20 seconds to play. 

UW-Stout hit four more free throws down the stretch to seal the game. 

Carollo led the Warhawks with one more double-double in her final game for UWW. The senior registered 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. She set the program record for points in a season and ends the season averaging 20.5 per game – another UW-Whitewater record. Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds with 4 blocks. Trautsch also registered double digits in the scoring column with 10. 

Carollo amassed one of the greatest careers in Warhawk history with 1828 points, 902 rebounds, 371 assists, 226 steals and 58 blocks. Prior to the game Friday, Carollo was named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy – a full release will be announced Saturday. 

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrestling team will be represented by four Warhawks at the 2025 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship in Providence, Rhode Island this week. 

Championship Information:
Date: March 14-15, 2025
Host: Johnson & Wales University
Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) in Providence, Rhode Island
Schedule (all times Eastern): Friday Sessions – 10am & 6 pm; Saturday Sessions – 10 am & 7 pm
Live Coverage: Track Wrestling Hub

La Crosse, Wis. — The UW-Whitewater gymnastics team finished third at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships/National Collegiate Gymnastics Association West Regional Saturday. Head Coach Jennifer Regan was named the WIAC Coach of the Year for the third time in her career.

UW-Whitewater posted a total of 192.850 – the eighth-highest team total in program history – to secure bronze in the nine-team field. The top two from each regional automatically qualify for the NCGA Championships with additional at-large bids determined on season average. The Warhawks consistency this season solidified their position as the top recipient for an at-large. The national championship is slated for March 22 in St. Peter, Minnesota. More information will be posted when available. 

The Warhawks opened the meet on the balance beam. Chloe Hammond (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) registered the top score on the apparatus, 9.675, to tie for eighth. Sofia Spadafora (Windsor, Ontario, Canada/Saint Thomas of Villanova) (9.575), Tegan Haberstock (Alberta, Canada/National Sport School) (9.575), Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) (9.425) and Kristen Swiebocki (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) (9.375) made up UWW’s scoring five in the event. 

UWW added a top 20 mark in the program record book with a total of 48.550 on the floor exercise. Kollhoff paced the Warhawks with a 9.775 to share fourth and claim All-WIAC honors. Hammond registered a 9.750 followed by 9.7s from Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) and Ariana Goodwin (Elgin, Ill./The Einstein Academy). Elaine Copeland (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) and Zoe Jenks-Recker (Cottage Grove, Wis./Monona Grove) each scored 9.625 in the event. 

Ava Pesch (Waterford, Wis./Waterford Union) led UW-Whitewater on the vault. She claimed a share of second with a score of 9.8 to secure All-WIAC honors and spark the team from the leadoff position. That mark is the fourth-highest vault score in program history. Copeland registered a 9.75 to tie for eighth while Hammond and Alayna Fern (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) added 9.7s in the event. Moore rounded out the scoring five on the apparatus with a 9.5. UW-Whitewater totaled 48.450 on the vault – ranked sixth in the program record book. 

The Warhawks capped the meet on the uneven bars. UWW’s total of 48.225 is a top 20 mark in the Warhawk record book. Hayden Gough (Dallas, Texas/Dallas International School) and Kollhoff led the way with matching 9.7s to tie for fourth and claim All-WIAC recognition. Pesch and Paige Magel (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) shared eighth with bars routines scoring 9.65. Goodwin rounded out the crew with a 9.525. 

Prior to the second session of the regional, the WIAC announced major award winners and recognized athletes that had earned Athlete of the Week honors throughout the course of the season. Coach Regan was honored as the Coach of the Year, the fifth time a UWW coach has earned the award in program history. Pesch was recognized as UW-Whitewater’s representative on the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.

Addison, Ill. – The UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team punched its ticket to the Intercollegiate Team Championships after finishing fourth in the Addison, Illinois sectional. 

The top four teams from each of the four sectional sites advance to the 2025 ITC in Las Vegas in April. 

The Warhawks came into the first session Sunday carrying a total pinfall of 6436 from 32 Baker games. UW-Whitewater dropped to fifth after the first block Sunday. Dani Swaisgood (Burbank, Calif./John Burroughs), Samantha Radig (Beaver Dam, Wis./), Zoey Darwin (Monona, Wis./Monona Grove), Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) and Kayla Devine () represented UWW in the 16-game Baker set with top games of 223 and 212. After 48 Baker games, the Warhawks total pinfall was 9364 – 32 pins behind the the team holding the last qualifying spot. 

In the final block of 16 Baker games in the second session Sunday, the Warhawks totaled 3081 pins bolstered by top games of 225, 219, 218 and a pair of 214s. Emily O’Byrn (Barrington, Ill./) joined Darwin, Swaisgood, Devine and Whipple on the lanes for the session as UW-Whitewater jumped into fourth to secure their spot at the national championships. 

Over the course of two days, four sessions and 64 team Baker games, UWW registered a total pinfall of 12,445. 

Additionally, Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championship after finishing among the top seven Friday in the singles competition. 

Saturday Recap
Addison, Ill. – The UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team is in third after the first day of competition in the Intercollegiate Team Championships Sectional Qualifier. 

The top four teams from each of the four sectional sites will advance to the 2025 Intercollegiate Team Championships in Las Vegas in April. Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) qualified for the Intercollegiate Singles Championship after finishing among the top seven individuals at the Addison sectional Friday. 

Saturday’s competition featured two sessions of 16 Baker games each. In the first session, the Warhawks totaled 3235 to hold third. UWW registered top games of 256, 243 and 235 in the 16-game series. The Warhawks added 3201 pins to their total in the second block to maintain their hold on third place in the team standings with an overall total of 6436. UW-Whitewater opened the second session with seven consecutive 200+ games. Their 25th game of the day was their best with the Warhawks rolling a 257. 

The tournament is set to conclude after two more sessions Sunday.

Friday Recap – Singles Competition
Addison, Ill. – The UW-Whitewater women’s bowling team opened competition in United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Sectionals with singles qualifying Friday. Jordyn Norvell (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) (Pleasant Prairie, Wis./Tremper) finished among the top seven to qualify for the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championship. 

Norvell finished fifth in a field of over 200 bowlers Friday. The top seven from each of four sectional sites advance to the singles championship that is slated for April 14-19 in Las Vegas. Norvell improved over the first five games of the six game series Friday. After opening with a 191, Norvell went 215, 222, 223 and 236 before wrapping up the day with a 231. She registered a total pinfall of 1318 on the day. 

Samantha Radig (Beaver Dam, Wis./) finished 25th in the singles competition with a total pinfall of 1222. Ashley Bowe (Brillion, Wis./) (1149), Zoey Darwin (Monona, Wis./Monona Grove) (1142) and Grace Lehmann (Huntley, Ill./) (1125) added top 100 finishes. 

Also representing UW-Whitewater in singles competition Friday were Emily Rusk (Greenfield, Wis./) (1099), Anna Heddinger (Farmington, Minn./) (1077), Dani Swaisgood (Burbank, Calif./John Burroughs) (1060), Emily O’Byrn (Barrington, Ill./) (1019), Mackenzie Juedes (Menasha, Wis./Menasha) (1018), Kelly Whipple (Sheboygan, Wis./South) (1016) an Emma Johnson (Greenfield, Wis./) (924). 

The tournament continues Saturday with two sessions of team competition featuring four game Baker blocks. The sectional will wrap up Sunday with two more Baker sessions and position round.