Ending the 2025-26 Academic Year With Special Moments

As we celebrate another historic athletic year, let's highlight a few moments and achievements that make Central Michigan such a special place.

We celebrated the graduation of 86 Central Michigan University student-athletes. Nearly half of those 86 graduated with honors, including 13 who graduated summa cum laude (a grade point average of 3.90 or better), three who graduated magna cum laude (3.75-3.89), and 26 who graduated cum laude (3.50-3.74). Congratulations to all of our graduates. We are exceptionally proud of each of you!

Continuing a strong tradition, led by longtime coach Christine MacDonald, our Chippewa gymnastics team delivered another outstanding season. The team defended twin Mid-American Conference titles by finishing an undefeated 6-0 in league duals, then posted a 196.025 score to secure first place at the MAC Championships. Coach MacDonald earned the MAC Coach of the Year Award. Senior Luciana Alvarado-Reid repeated as MAC Gymnast of the Year, and the team qualified for and competed in the NCAA Regionals in Lexington, Ky., in late March.

In early April, I traveled to Phoenix, Ariz., to attend the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship as a member of the NCAA selection committee. During the visit, I met with several individuals connected to Central Michigan. These meetings included Chippewa greats Dan Majerle, an NBA veteran who spent eight of his 14 NBA seasons in Phoenix playing for the Suns and the Executive Director of the Parsons Foundation, who represents Mount Pleasant native and CMU alum Renee (LaBelle) Parsons. Renee, along with her husband Bob, recently underwrote a $350,000 grant that enabled CMU Athletics to launch EmpowHER Leadership, a women's student-athlete program designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, and career readiness through mentorship, experiential learning, and community impact. I also had the chance to visit with former CMU men's golfer Scott Pranger, who is a great supporter of our programs and University, and Mike and Francy O'Donnell, long-time benefactors of CMU and Chippewa Athletics.

Among our spring sports, April 14 stood out as a highlight when Coach McCall Salmon's softball team welcomed rival Michigan to Mount Pleasant. Legendary coaches Margo Jonker (CMU) and Carol Hutchins (Michigan) both threw out the ceremonial first pitch that day. Hosting Margo back at the stadium that bears her name and Carol, the winningest coach in NCAA Division I softball history, was an honor. It was also inspiring to see CMU legends Sue Guevara, Marcy Weston, and Cristy Freese at the event!

Our annual Maroon & Gold Gala took place on Monday, April 27, at McGuirk Arena. Student-athletes and coaches, earning awards voted on by their peers, brought glam and elegance to the Oscar-style event. Football's Michael Heldman and gymnast Alvarado-Reid received Enterprise Athlete of the Year honors. Each year at the gala, I proudly present the prestigious AD Leadership Award to two deserving student-athletes who excel in athletics, the community, and the classroom. This year, Alvarado-Reid and football's Dakota Cochran were chosen. Both have endured personal adversity and have been leaders on their teams.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this year a success. Your passion and dedication have shaped an unforgettable athletic year for Central Michigan. Together, we've built lasting memories and momentum for the future.

Amy Folan

Central Michigan University Athletics

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