Trinity students are a fortunate group. The campus, within walking distance of everything a student needs, is home to some of the best academics in the US. In addition to a world-class education, Tigers witness fantastic sports that long-time sports fans and newcomers can enjoy. Trinity is a powerhouse in multiple sports and conferences between the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) and Southern Athletic Association (SAA), making for an excellent fan experience no matter what sport a student may enjoy.
FOOTBALL
Play at Trinity Football Field
2023 Record: 10-2 (SAA Champions)
First home game: Sep. 7, 7:00 p.m. (Texas Lutheran University)
Led by head coach Jerheme Urban for his eleventh consecutive season, the Trinity Tigers Football team is one of the best in the SAA. Over the last five years, the team has had an impressive 41-7 record, with three straight conference titles resulting in playoff appearances. This year will be a significant change for the Tigers, as last season’s team had 16 fifth-years and 25 seniors (including 12 who return in 2024), meaning there will be a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball. QB Tucker Horn, RB Justin Carmouche and WR Ryan Merrifield highlight critical departures on the offense, while DL Harris Good, LB Caleb Harmel and DB Casey Hampton graduated away from the defensive side of the ball. While rosters and depth charts haven’t been released, it will be interesting to see how the always-strong Tigers handle this new era of Trinity Football.
VOLLEYBALL
Play at Calgaard Gymnasium in the Bell Center
2023 Record: 31-5 (Elite Eight Appearance)
First home game: Aug. 30, 6:00 p.m. (SUNY-Courtland)
Under the guidance of Julie Jenkins for what will be her 39th season, the Trinity University Volleyball team is nothing shy of a powerhouse in NCAA Division III. The team has had over 30 wins every year since 2018 (2020 not included) and has been to the Elite Eight in the last three consecutive tournaments. The team lost key players such as Brette Thorton and Nadia Kern, but they will be bolstered by the returns of Maddie Fate (MB) and Mackenzie Logan (OH) in their fifth-year seasons. In addition, several players made big names for themselves last season, including breakout star Courtney Pope, who will return for her Sophomore season alongside Juniors Jenna Rodriguez and Reagan Whatley.
MEN’S SOCCER
Play at McGinlay Field south of the IM Field
2023 Record: 12-3-4 (Playoff Appearance)
First home game: (Not Announced)
A team just a penalty kick away from their first conference championship since 2018, the Tigers, under 34-year head coach Paul McGinlay, will look to improve on a season that saw them start hot. Micheal Meese led the team in goals last season as a junior and finished second in team points behind Senior Chen Adjei. With only three losses all year, the team hopes to continue the momentum going into the new season.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Play at McGinlay Field south of the IM Field
2023 Record: 12-5-2 (SCAC Champions)
First home game: (Not Announced)
Under ninth-year head coach Dylan Harrison, the Tigers will look to get a hot start after a 2023 campaign that saw their fourth consecutive SCAC title. The team started slowly last season with a 2-4-2 start, but they rattled off seven straight wins to claim the conference championship with a late 1-0 victory over Dallas. Michaela Bosco was pivotal to Trinity’s success as she led the team in points, shots and goals in her Junior season.
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Play at: Butch Newman Tennis Center next to the Bell Center and the Mail Center
2023 Record: 16-5 (SCAC Champions)
First home meet: (Not Announced)
A team that has seen great success not just recently but historically, Trinity Women’s Tennis is a dominant program in the SCAC and Division III. The team has earned an impressive 26 Conference titles (including three straight) and will hope to add another trophy to the Bell Center this season. Freshman Rosabella Andrade had a breakout season in the singles category with a 14-4 record, while the doubles duos of Olivia Kim (Junior) and Ruth Hill (Junior), along with Andrade and Ellie Hughes (Senior) each had 14 wins apiece.
MEN’S TENNIS
Play at: Butch Newman Tennis Center next to the Bell Center and the Mail Center
2023 Record: 16-9 (SCAC Champions)
First home meet: (Not Announced)
One of the longest-lived and most successful programs at Trinity University, the Men’s Tennis program carried a national ranking throughout the regular season in 2023 to earn their 14th consecutive conference title. The biggest win of the season was a shock upset when Trinity defeated the then-No. 1 Ranked Emory University, which came after the team had a rocky 3-6 start to the year. The program will look for its 29th SCAC championship and 37th NCAA playoff appearance — seven of which include Trinity’s success in the 1970s at the Division I level, including a 1972 national championship.
Though this is not the comprehensive list of all Trinity’s sports, it shows the competitive nature of Trinity University both in the classroom and collegiate athletics. Whether you’re a diehard supporter or a first-time viewer, Trinity athletics can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone.
