As the Bears prepare to kick off the 2025-26 season, WashU is once again in prime shape for a deep playoff run and to contend for the University Athletic Association (UAA) title. Ranked No. 5 in Division III, WashU has the team to make it happen.

The Bears faced two of the UAA’s best on Oct. 24 and Oct. 26, getting crucial road wins over Rochester and No. 1 Emory University. With the victory, WashU returns to the No. 1 ranking in Division III — a spot it has held in 11 of the 17 United Soccer Coaches polls taken since the start of the 2024 season. 

The No. 2 women’s soccer team and the No. 6 Case Western Reserve University both held unbeaten records going into the conference matchup on Oct. 11. Only one team would come out undefeated. In a hard-fought match between two of Division III’s best squads, WashU kept its near-perfect record, winning 2-1.

Despite WashU’s three national championship wins in the 2024-2025 school year, the Athletics Department has unveiled a new motto for the 2025-26 school year for the fifth time in as many years: “Defend the Standard.” The tradition of the Athletics Department’s annual motto was established in 2020 with “United Pursuit” to bring students and coaches together after the pandemic.

WashU swept its opening two games of the regular season, dominating Westminster College and Illinois Wesleyan University, 8-0 and 6-0 respectively. Following the weekend routing, sophomore forward Olivia Clemons and senior forward Grace Ehlert led the Bears with 3 goals each.

For the eighth year in a row, the No. 1 women’s track and field team returned home victorious after the University Athletic Association (UAA) Outdoor Championships in New York City on April 26 and 27. The No. 19 men’s squad fell short of the podium, placing fourth behind Emory University, The University of Chicago, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Student-athlete mental health is an issue at college campuses across the nation. WashU’s Athletics Department and student-athletes, including WashU’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, have taken action to support their community. 

In case you have not already heard, Simone Biles was revealed as the Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2025 on Monday, March 31. For those who have been living under a rock and do not know who Biles is and how she has impacted the world of sports, you have no choice but to read on.

The WashU track and field teams began their outdoor season at two of the largest outdoor track meets in the midwest: WashU Distance Carnival and WashU Invite on Mar. 28-30. The Bears came out of the weekend with 28 top 10 finishes.

The No. 17 WashU’s men’s basketball team fell short of the national championship game, losing 72-60 to No. 1 New York University in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III tournament on Mar. 20 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.