The team recently won their second consecutive NAIA national championship, defending their title in a five-set comeback win over Bellevue of Nebraska.

“I think this is such a big deal as an Indiana Wesleyan alum, and Marion, this is a big deal for us,” Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr. said to the team during the meeting. “I’m super proud of each and every one of you.”

Marion City Council President Nick McKinley said he was very excited to have the team present at the meeting. 

“We’re just so proud of them,” McKinley said. “Indiana Wesleyan is integrated into the fabric of our community, and we should recognize these major accomplishments for any of the teams, whether it’s athletic or academic.”

In addition to the NAIA and Crossroads League championships, many players and both coaches received individual awards.

Head coach Candace Moats and assistant coach Dan Bergren received the Crossroads League Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year awards, respectively. 

Junior outside hitter Eva Joldersma was named Player of the Year by the NAIA, AVCA and the Crossroads League. Junior setter Abbigail Porter was named Setter of the Year by the NAIA, AVCA and the Crossroads League. Graduate outside hitter Martina Demarchi and junior middle blocker Marissa Mullins earned AVCA All-American Honorable Mention.

Defensive specialist Elly Grenda said that associate athletic director Jeffrey Reyes arranged the city council appearance. 

“(Reyes) was following us for our full season, and came with us to nationals, and then wanted us to come here,” Grenda said.

Grenda is currently a senior at IWU. She said this past season was a great end to her college volleyball career. 

“Now, having two national championships, it’s bittersweet because I ended it on, like, the best way I could have, but then I’m leaving such a good group of girls,” Grenda said. 

The Wildcats are 75-2 in the last two seasons and return four starters next year as they look to be the first NAIA school to three-peat since Fresno Pacific University won four in a row from 2007-2010.

Golden Eagles’ Kevin Renbarger said the Panthers have been on the rise after their last win in upset fashion over the undefeated Taylor Titans 48-41.

“When Jace [Tonagel] is in, things fall into place,” Renbarger said. “We need to find other ways to spread out the floor.”

This is the second time these two teams have faced off on the hardwood. The Panthers defeated Oak Hill in a Saturday tournament in December, 43-38.

Panthers Head Coach, Jeff Liddick is in his first year leading the team.

“We have to play the most complete and consistent game we have this season and be patient with the ball,” Liddick said. “If we do face adversity, we can not get down about it. We have to keep on fighting. It will be one of those games where we have to play all four quarters.”

Jace Tonagel led the Golden Eagles in every category with 20 points, 3 assists and 8 rebounds, despite dealing with a stomach virus.

Tonagel learns from one of the best coaches in Indiana, his father, Greg Tonagel. Coach Tonagel is the head coach at Indiana Wesleyan and has racked up over 500 wins and three NAIA National Championships.

“You’re not going to feel great, but just being out there is going to say something to your teammates, and I said, once you get out there, you may forget about it,” Coach Greg Tonagel said. “God has given you these gifts. Not for yourself, not for your glory, but for His platform.”

The Golden Eagles will face Southwood on Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. EST. The Panthers will face Daleville on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m EST.