The AD's Playbook

Dear Muskingum Student-Athletes and Families, 

We are kicking off the 2025–2026 academic year with great momentum as our fall teams begin their seasons. It has been an absolute joy watching our fall teams practice/scrimmage over the last few weeks, and now we have all student-athletes back on campus!  This first week of class has created such an elevated level of energy on the quad.  Athletic personnel are particularly alert to all the emotions that our student-athletes bring to campus, especially in week one.   

There is no better time to be part of Muskie Nation! The 2024-2025 academic year was highlighted by many remarkable achievements—championships, individual and team honors, and recognition of our student-athletes and coaches for their excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership. This year presents new opportunities to build on that success, and I'm thrilled to share our department's goals and the vital role your support plays—whether you're cheering from nearby or afar. 

At Muskingum, our student-athletes are at the heart of everything we do. The Muskie jersey is more than a uniform—wearing it is an honor rooted in tradition and pride, carried forward by generations of dedicated alumni. Muskingum Athletics is devoted to nurturing the next generation of Muskies through experiences that build character, strengthen relationships, and instill lifelong values and habits. Our mission is to ensure every student-athlete embarks on a journey that is both meaningful and transformative. 

We're incredibly excited about some game-changing developments that took place over the summer for the Athletic Department. The addition of two outstanding strength and conditioning coaches marks a major step forward for Muskie Athletics. Please join us in welcoming Adam Biehl as our Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Brock Pfister as our Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. Their expertise will be instrumental in elevating our athletic performance. Adding to the momentum, we are thrilled to introduce Eat to Excel—a campus-wide nutrition app designed to help students build and track healthy eating habits, especially in relation to on-campus dining options. 

Our coaches and members of our staff are deeply invested in developing confident, resilient student-athletes who are prepared to thrive in a dynamic world. We emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual engagement, while challenging our athletes physically and mentally to achieve performance excellence. We are also blessed with the best faculty and staff who are adding to your Muskie's life on campus, many of whom you will see following our Fighting Muskie teams at home and on the road. This institution is special for all the right reasons!   

For those of you who are entering your first year into our family, I would like to introduce our Commitment to Competitive Excellence, a set of guiding principles followed by our entire athletic community. For those returning to Muskie Nation, an important refresher of our standards: 

Commitment to Competitive Excellence 

• We Before Me 
  We commit to selflessness and community. We value our "Village" and strive to be positive, supportive teammates—on and off the field. 

• Lead by Action. Lead with Impact. 
  Be a positive ambassador for your team and Muskingum Athletics—academically, athletically, and in the broader community. 

• Resiliency and Integrity 
  In moments of challenge or emotion, embrace a growth mindset. Continue evolving as communicators, competitors, and individuals. 

• Accountability 
  Coaches and student-athletes are held to high standards. We expect thoughtful conflict resolution and responsible behavior. 

• Decision Makers 
  Make choices that reflect your commitment to your team. Your decisions shape how you communicate, compete, and carry yourself daily. 

Muskie Nation is a passionate and loyal fan base.  We cannot be who we are without the support of all that bleed black and red!  We encourage you to follow your team's social media pages and stay connected. We have the best Sports Communication staff in the country, and I encourage you to follow our platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X) as our programs write the 2025-2026 story. Whether at home or on the road, your support means the world to our student-athletes. 

As your Muskie continues their journey, please remember that college athletics may, at times, differ from the overall high school sports environment. We foster independence and growth, which may require new boundaries and types of support from families. Student-athletes are encouraged to manage their relationships with teammates and coaches directly, including navigating difficult conversations. This builds confidence, communication skills, and personal agency. 

Our Athletic Leadership Team is here to support your student. If needed, please encourage your Muskie to reach out to me, Associate Athletic Director Tom Caudill, Senior Woman Administrator Dani Gunderson, or Assistant Athletic Director John Soppanish. We're committed to helping them grow in every way. 

Family support is always welcome, though it may look different at the collegiate level. We ask that families refrain from contacting coaches about playing time or strategic decisions. As guests of the University at athletic events, we expect respectful behavior toward officials, teams, and fans. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is a shared responsibility. I look forward to positive crowd energy and overall support on game day! 

President Hasseler often reminds us that athletics are a vital part of the Muskingum educational experience. She sees our coaches as educators, and we're grateful for her unwavering support. We are confident that we will provide President Hasseler with many athletic outcomes worthy of celebrating over her last year serving as our President. I'm proud to be a Muskingum alumna and honored to serve as Director of Athletics. I look forward to watching our student-athletes represent this incredible institution with pride and purpose. 

Together we can, and together we will. Go Muskies! 

Warmly, 
Kari Winters 
Director of Athletics