William Penn Athletics News – October 29
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Evans Takes First Accolade of Junior Year
Oskaloosa–Brittany Evans (Jr., Fernley, Nev., Business Management) wrapped up a strong fall campaign as she was named Heart of America Athletic Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week Monday.
Evans, who is now a three-time weekly recipient, won her fourth career tournament crown to lead William Penn to the title at the Osage National Invitational.
At the fall finale–which was WPU’s fourth title of the season–Evans was first out of 44 players at 157 (77-80). She topped the standings by two strokes over a fellow teammate; the Statesmen varsity crew claimed five of the top 10 spots.
For the year, the junior owns a 76.8 stroke average in 10 rounds of competition. She has eight rounds in the 70s (low score of 72) and has placed in the top five on four occasions.
The award is the fifth for WPU this year.
Brothers Wins Second Weekly Award
Oskaloosa–Hayley Brothers (Fr., Bonner Springs, Kan., Exercise Science) played a major role in her team collecting a postseason bid and her efforts earned her Heart of America Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Defensive Player of the Week honors Monday.
Brothers claimed her second laurel after helping William Penn to a pair of shutouts against Culver-Stockton and Baker. The wins moved the Statesmen into the 10th and final playoff spot as they face Graceland Tuesday in the play-in round.
Against C-SC, Brothers notched 12 saves in the double-overtime victory. She then managed seven stops as WPU slipped past Baker.
For the year, the freshman is 5-6-1 with a 2.13 Goals Against Average. She has posted 88 saves with three shutouts.
The award is the third for WPU this year.
WPU Accepts Resignation of Pierson as Women’s Golf Coach
Oskaloosa–William Penn University Athletics Director Nik Rule has announced the resignation of Chris Pierson as Head Women’s Golf Coach.
Pierson has served WPU in his role since the fall of 2017, guiding the Statesmen to a Heart of America Athletic Conference title and NAIA Championships berth last spring. Six members of the squad were named all-conference, highlighted by two individuals garnering Heart Co-Player of the Year awards. Pierson collected league Coach of the Year recognition.
“I want to thank Nik Rule and William Penn University for giving me this great opportunity; I am so appreciative,” Pierson said. “Also, I want to thank John Henry for bringing me back to William Penn as part of his great staff years ago, that led to this special experience. I want to thank all the student-athletes whom I have been blessed to work with for their dedication to the program and University.”
“Being part of the William Penn Athletic Department has been incredible,” Pierson added. “I have built some great relationships. I look forward to continuing to support our teams in the future as part of our wonderful fan base of Statesmen Nation.”
Prior to his appointment as head coach, Pierson was an assistant for the previous two campaigns, while also serving as an assistant in the men’s basketball program. During his entire tenure with the program, Pierson has been on the coaching staff in a variety of roles for three conference crowns and three national tournament appearances.
“It is with mixed emotions that we accept the resignation of Coach Pierson, who has been a valiant servant to William Penn University, a close personal friend, and a worthy leader of this high-achieving program,” Rule said. “We completely respect his decision to step down as he advances his career at Musco Lighting and spends more time with his awesome wife, Kelly, and his three amazing kids. Coach Pierson and his family will forever be a part of our Statesmen family and we look forward to future opportunities to have him involved in our department again.”
“I cannot tell you how grateful we are in the way Coach Pierson has handled this situation, working together with us in a thoughtful way to limit the impact on our student-athletes and giving us time to develop a plan for a seamless transition.”
