As the calendar turns to July, Chico State Athletics closes the book on another memorable chapter and sets its sights on the 2025–26 season. But before we look ahead, we take a moment to reflect on the achievements, milestones, and lasting impact of the 2024–25 campaign.
A New Leader in the #WildcatFamily
The 2024–25 season began with a significant transition in leadership, as longtime Executive Director of Athletics Anita Barker officially retired at the end of September following more than 34 years of dedicated service to Chico State—22 of those as the department's leader. After a national search, Eric Coleman was named the new Executive Director of Athletics. Since his arrival in the fall, Coleman has embraced the Wildcat spirit, engaging with the campus and community while supporting student-athletes who continue to excel in both the classroom and competition.
Men's Cross Country – Historic Consistency, Championship Legacy
The men's cross country team delivered another dominant season in 2024, adding to one of the most consistent legacies in intercollegiate athletics. The Wildcats captured their 22nd straight CCAA title and eighth consecutive NCAA West Regional championship, extending their NCAA Championship appearance streak to an incredible 25 consecutive seasons. Led by CCAA Runner of the Year and West Region Athlete of the Year Mario Giannini, Chico State placed sixth nationally—marking their ninth straight top-10 finish and 24th in the last 25 years.
Gary Towne was once again honored as CCAA and USTFCCCA West Region Coach of the Year, continuing a remarkable run that includes 16 consecutive conference coaching awards and 13 regional honors since 2008. Giannini earned All-America status with a 28th-place finish at the NCAA Championships, while teammates Matthew Gordon and Daniel Hernandez also cracked the national top 50. The Wildcats proved their strength in depth throughout the fall, with six runners earning All-CCAA and All-West Region honors. Their pursuit of excellence extended to the classroom as well, with multiple athletes earning CCAA Academic Honor Roll recognition.
Women's Cross Country – Molina Magic and a Resurgent Championship Season
The women's cross country team returned to national prominence in 2024, capturing their first NCAA West Regional title since 2019 and finishing 15th at the NCAA Championships. Della Molina led the charge with a historic season, winning the CCAA Championship and earning CCAA Runner of the Year honors—becoming the program's first individual conference champion and Runner of the Year since 2019. She and her twin sister, Iresh Molina, were both named All-Americans for the second straight year, placing 32nd and 24th, respectively, at the NCAA Championships.
The Molina sisters were at the heart of a tightly bonded and competitive squad that also secured the CCAA team title, giving head coach Gary Towne his 19th conference crown on the women's side and ninth West Region title overall. Towne was named both the CCAA and USTFCCCA West Region Coach of the Year, achieving the rare feat of sweeping men's and women's coaching honors for the fifth time in his career. With All-Region accolades, personal bests throughout the lineup, and a storybook moment where the Molina twins crossed the finish line hand-in-hand to open the season, 2024 was a year to remember for the Wildcats.
Women's Soccer – Battling to the Finish Line
Women's soccer wrapped up the 2024 season with a 6-6-6 overall record, marking the program's 11th consecutive season finishing .500 or better under head coach Kim Sutton. Despite narrowly missing the postseason for the first time since 2019, the Wildcats showed their trademark fight and flair throughout the fall. Forward Avery Pieri led the way with a team-high eight goals—good for second in the CCAA—and delivered two multi-goal performances, including a dramatic brace that helped erase a 2-0 deficit in the season finale at Stanislaus State.
Statistically, the Wildcats ranked among the CCAA's top four in goals, shots, and goals-against average, and placed in the top 12 across multiple offensive categories in the West Region. Pieri earned second-team All-CCAA honors, with Brynn Howard and Hannah Pieri receiving honorable mention. In the classroom, the team excelled as well, with 17 Wildcats earning CCAA Academic Honor Roll recognition and five named to the CSC Academic All-District Team. While the results were mixed on the scoreboard, the program's culture of effort, resilience, and academic excellence remained firmly in place.
Men's Soccer – A Season of Grit, Goals, and Greatness
The men's soccer team delivered a strong 11-3-5 campaign in 2024, earning its eighth straight trip to the CCAA Tournament and finishing tied for third in the conference standings. Led by All-American forward Miles Rice and two-time CCAA Goalkeeper of the Year Emanuel Padilla, the Wildcats combined a dynamic attack with a disciplined defense, ranking fourth in the conference in goals scored and second in goals-against average. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat in the CCAA quarterfinals that ended their NCAA postseason hopes, Chico State held a top-10 RPI in the region and spent much of the fall in the national rankings.
Rice was among the most dangerous scorers in the country, finishing with 13 goals—including five game-winners, third-most in the nation—and moving into the top 10 on Chico State's all-time scoring list. Padilla, who posted six shutouts and led the CCAA in saves and save percentage, finished his career with the best goals-against average in program history (0.75). Both Rice and Padilla earned First Team All-West Region honors from the United Soccer Coaches, along with standout defender Preston Moll. The team's success extended to the classroom, where seven Wildcats earned CCAA Academic Honor Roll recognition and three were named CSC Academic All-District selections.
Volleyball – Signs of Progress and Program Milestones
The 2024 volleyball season featured notable strides as the Wildcats posted nine wins overall and six in CCAA play—both highs under head coach Tommy Gott. The team finished ninth in the conference standings, matching its best CCAA finish since 2021 and earning its first season above .500 at home (5-4) since 2017. Key wins included snapping multi-year droughts against Cal State San Marcos, Sonoma State, and Stanislaus State. The Wildcats also went 3-2 in five-set matches, a testament to their competitive spirit throughout the fall.
Setter Claire Nordeen and outside hitter Kassandra Nall each earned All-CCAA honorable mention honors after standout individual seasons. Nordeen ranked third in the conference in total assists during CCAA play, while Nall finished in the top 10 in kills and points per set. In the classroom, 11 student-athletes earned CCAA Academic Honor Roll honors, with Cashe Olswang also named to the CSC Academic All-District Team. With signs of growth, a stronger home-court presence, and an experienced core returning, the program took a positive step forward in 2024.
Women's Basketball – Record Wins and a Remarkable Run
The women's basketball team enjoyed a historic 2024–25 season, finishing 24-8 overall and 17-5 in CCAA play en route to the program's second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The 24 wins marked the most under 17th-year head coach Brian Fogel and the most in a single season since the 2007–08 CCAA championship campaign. The Wildcats reached the semifinals of both the CCAA and NCAA West Regional tournaments, highlighted by a dramatic overtime victory against No. 14 Cal Poly Pomona in the regional quarterfinal and a signature road win over previously undefeated No. 2 and national runner-up Cal State Dominguez Hills late in the regular season.
Fueled by elite balance and depth, Chico State led the CCAA in multiple categories, including field goal, three-point, and free throw percentage, while ranking top five in 11 different statistical metrics within the West Region. Three Wildcats—Jordan Allred, Makenzi Laporte, and Meadow Aragon—earned first-team All-CCAA honors, the most of any school in the conference. Laporte capped her career with 1,263 points and 612 rebounds, joining an exclusive group in program history to reach both milestones. The Wildcats also excelled academically, with three student-athletes earning CSC Academic All-District honors. With a core of talent and momentum, Chico State firmly reestablished itself as a force in the West.
Men's Basketball – Record-Setting Rise Under a New Leader
In a season of milestones and momentum, men's basketball surged to a 24-7 record under first-year head coach Cevin Meador—marking the program's best win total since 2016–17 and its highest CCAA win count (19) in school history. The Wildcats finished second in the conference standings, reached the CCAA Tournament championship game for the first time since 2015, and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA West Regional. The team set a new modern era record with a 13-game winning streak and mounted a dramatic 20-point comeback in the regional against Central Washington before falling in overtime.
Jojo Murphy capped a breakout season as the CCAA Player of the Year, D2CCA West Region Player of the Year, and a third-team All-American. He led the conference in scoring (20.7 ppg) and became the fourth-fastest Wildcat to reach 1,000 career points. Isaiah Kerr joined Murphy on the All-CCAA first team and earned Academic All-District honors, while Trae Taylor finished first in all of NCAA Division II in field goal percentage (73.6%) and ranked in the top 15 in scoring and blocks. The Wildcats paced the CCAA in scoring and field goal percentage while finishing top 25 nationally in win percentage.
Women's Golf – Staying the Course Through Adversity
The women's golf team completed an expanded eight-tournament schedule in 2024–25, demonstrating perseverance and steady progress in a challenging campaign. The Wildcats finished sixth at the CCAA Championships for the fourth straight season but gained valuable experience from a demanding schedule that included large tournament fields and multi-round events. Freshman Kaylie Parola posted a team-best scoring average of 76.67 during the fall, highlighted by a top-10 finish at the Sonoma State Fall Invitational. Trinity Hernandez led the team in spring play, logging the team's lowest round of the year (71), tying for sixth at Sonoma State, and finishing as Chico State's top scorer at the CCAA Championships.
Brooke Pelletier, Hernandez, and Ariana Blagrove were the only Wildcats to compete in all 18 rounds, while Hollyn Drennen added depth throughout the season. Pelletier earned CSC Academic All-District honors, and she and Drennen were named WGCA All-Academic Team selections, reflecting the program's continued academic excellence. Despite the results on the course, the Wildcats remained committed and resilient, setting the stage for continued growth moving forward.
Men's Golf – Consistent Contention in a Competitive West
The men's golf team wrapped up another challenging season with a fifth-place finish at the CCAA Championships and a 13th-place showing at the NCAA South Central/West Regional. The Wildcats ranked as high as No. 22 nationally and maintained a top-three spot in the West Region rankings throughout much of the spring. Highlighted by a team-best 272 (-16) second-round score at Regionals—their lowest single-round total of the year—Chico State proved it could compete at the highest level against some of the nation's best.
Naoki Easterday and Travis Miller led the charge, both earning first-team All-CCAA honors. Easterday posted six top-10 finishes and became the first Wildcat since 2012 to win three straight CCAA Golfer of the Week awards, while Miller delivered four top-10 finishes of his own and closed out his senior season with an impressive 72.10 scoring average. The Wildcats posted multiple top-three team finishes during the season, including a second-place result at both the RJGA Palm Valley Classic and Hanny Stanislaus Invitational. With a competitive roster and deep postseason experience, the program continues to hold its place among the region's elite.
Softball – Bright Starts and Individual Standouts in a Battled Season
Softball opened the 2025 campaign in impressive fashion, going 8–2 in non-conference play—including a perfect 5–0 run at the season-opening CUI Kickoff Classic—for their best start since 2022. Despite those early successes, the Wildcats battled inconsistency in CCAA play, finishing with 22 wins overall and 14 in conference action to narrowly miss the postseason. Powered by a strong pitching staff, Chico State ranked third in the CCAA in team ERA (2.72) and fourth in the West Region (1.99). The Wildcats capped their season with upgrades to their home field and a Senior Day celebration honoring veteran Elisa Haas.
Five Wildcats earned All-CCAA honors—the program's most since 2019—including second-team selections Amelie Valdez, Aiyana Curry, and Kennedy Gustin. Curry led the offense with seven home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .368 average in CCAA play, while Valdez and fellow pitchers Kylie Loertscher and Bella Tavares each ranked in the top 10 in ERA and opponent batting average. Off the field, four student-athletes were named to the CSC Academic All-District Team, highlighting the program's continued excellence in the classroom.
Baseball – 30-Win Milestone and a Historic Schedule
The 2025 baseball team built one of the strongest resumés in Division II—highlighted by series wins over the defending West Region champions Point Loma, eventual regional winners Northwest Nazarene and two-time RMAC champions Colorado Mesa, a .545 strength of schedule (the toughest in the region), and a 31–22 overall record. Despite climbing as high as No. 8 in the national rankings and earning a top-three spot in the regional poll towards the end of the regular season, the Wildcats were left out of the NCAA Tournament field—one of the region's most notable omissions. Yet, their performance on the field told a story of grit and consistency, with 23 seniors helping the program reach the 30-win mark for the 13th time under Head Coach Dave Taylor.
Taylor, already the winningest coach in Chico State history, secured his 700th career NCAA victory on April 25 in a 9–3 win over Cal State San Marcos. The team went on to qualify for the CCAA Tournament, winning the play-in game over host Cal State LA and finishing 2–2 overall. Five Wildcats earned All-CCAA honors, led by first-team outfielder Troy Kent, who ranked among the West Region leaders in doubles, hits, and RBIs.
Women's Track & Field – Championship Pedigree and All-American Excellence
The women's track & field added another strong season to its legacy, finishing second at the CCAA Championships for the 10th time in program history and marking its 22nd consecutive top-three finish. The Wildcats led all schools at the conference meet with five individual titles—earned by Iresh Molina (5,000m and 10,000m), Olivia Beschorner (3,000m steeplechase), Janey Rubio (pole vault), and Andrea Villalta (javelin)—and totaled 149.5 team points. A deep and balanced lineup powered the result, with eight additional podium finishes including double silvers from thrower Angelina Escobar and a top-three showing in both distance races by Della Molina.
The Molina sisters capped the season with standout performances at the NCAA Championships. Iresh earned first-team All-America honors in the 10,000 meters (5th) and second-team in the 5,000, while Della matched that feat with a sixth-place All-American finish in the 10,000 and 12th in the 5,000. Both sisters now rank among the top three all-time at Chico State in their signature events. Four Wildcats earned USTFCCCA All-West Region honors, and five student-athletes were recognized with CSC Academic All-District selections. With national accolades, academic excellence, and a strong presence across all event groups, the 2025 Wildcats continued to define consistency and competitiveness.
Men's Track & Field – Historic Finish Crowns a Championship Season
The Chico State men's track & field team delivered one of its most complete seasons in recent memory, earning five All-America honors, collecting numerous regional accolades, and finishing the year ranked among the nation's elite in several events. Standout sophomore Damian Garcia earned CCAA Track Athlete of the Year and Track Athlete of the Meet honors, breaking the conference 1500m record (3:39.47) and climbing to 8th on the NCAA Division II all-time list. Hunter Dougherty earned First Team All-America honors in the 3,000m steeplechase, while the 4x400m relay team of Trey Suffredini, Brody Staley, Quincy Patton, and Vincent Rinaldi claimed Second Team All-America status.
But the defining moment of the season came at the
2025 CCAA Championships, where the Wildcats clinched the conference title in the meet's final event—the 4x400m relay. Trailing Cal Poly Pomona by a slim margin, Rinaldi surged past the CPP anchor on the final leg to win the race and secure the team championship by just 1.5 points—the closest margin in CCAA history. The dramatic victory gave Chico State its 17th men's conference title since 2002 and ended a run of three straight runner-up finishes. With high-level performances across sprints, distance, jumps, throws, and multis, and head coach Oliver Hanf earning his seventh CCAA Coach of the Year honor, the 2025 Wildcats delivered a season that will be remembered as one of the program's most thrilling and resilient.
Wildcats Shine Bright at Inaugural Night of Champions
Chico State Athletics brought the entire Wildcat Family together for a landmark moment in department history on May 6, 2025, hosting the inaugural Night of Champions at Laxson Auditorium. The event celebrated the defining performances, academic achievements, and stories of resilience that shaped the 2024–25 season.
Top honors went to Makenzi Laporte (women's basketball/golf) and Mario Giannini (men's cross country), who were named Female and Male Athletes of the Year after delivering historic seasons in their respective sports. Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors were awarded to Kendra Pearson (women's track & field) and Brayden McLaughlin (men's cross country/track & field), each maintaining a 3.92 GPA while excelling on the track and in the classroom. Comeback Player of the Year awards went to Meadow Aragon and Miles Rice, both of whom returned from injury to lead their teams and earn All-CCAA recognition.
Freshman setter Claire Nordeen (volleyball) and Giuseppe Aliotti (men's golf) were named Newcomers of the Year, while Klayre Barres and Dominic Miller received the Giving Day GOAT awards for their leadership in fundraising and community engagement.
The evening also honored key achievements across all sports, including school records, All-American performances, and multiple conference titles. The night culminated with a rousing tribute to the Class of 2025, a group whose leadership and perseverance left an enduring legacy.
With red carpet flair and heartfelt gratitude, the Night of Champions signaled the start of a new tradition—one that will annually celebrate the spirit and excellence of Chico State student-athletes.
Thank You and Looking Ahead
As we close the book on an unforgettable 2024–25 season, Chico State Athletics extends its deepest gratitude to the generous donors and supporters of our Named Scholarship program. Your commitment to our student-athletes makes a lasting impact—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout their lives. Because of you, they are able to chase excellence in all they do.
We now turn the page to the 2025–26 campaign, with a new year of opportunities, goals, and memories waiting to be made. The action begins this September, and we can't wait to once again stand side by side with the Wildcat Family as we support the next chapter of Chico State Athletics.
