The U.S. Military Academy Men’s and Women’s Team Handball programs closed out the national tournament with championship performances, highlighting the depth, discipline and competitive standard of Army West Point athletics.
The Women’s Black and Gold teams both finished the second day of the tournament undefeated after victories over Ohio State and the University of North Carolina, setting up an all-West Point championship match. Both teams competed through a hard-fought final before Black secured the national title.
“Having both the Black and Gold teams enter the championship game undefeated speaks directly to the depth, competitiveness and culture of West Point Women’s Team Handball,” said Class of 2026 Cadet Maggie Crimmins, who was named the tournament’s top scorer.
Crimmins said the program’s standard is rooted in the phrase “See it Through,” a motto connected to the legacy of 1st Lt. Laura Walker, a former Women’s Team Handball captain and the first female officer to die in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom.
“That shared commitment and grit throughout the entire roster is what enables us to place both first and second at the national level, reflecting the strength and depth of our program,” Crimmins said.
Class of 2026 Cadet Sydney Rhuda was named tournament MVP, while Class of 2028 Cadet Tess Wojtalik and Class of 2026 Cadet Grace Kaiser earned All-Tournament team honors.
Rhuda said competing against another West Point team for the title reflected the program’s balance of fierce competition and mutual respect.
“Every single player was fully bought in — both teams competed relentlessly and gave everything they had to win,” Rhuda said. “At the same time, our sportsmanship and close relationships never wavered.”
The Men’s Black team also finished the tournament undefeated, defeating San Jose State, Air Force twice and the University of Pittsburgh. Army West Point defeated Air Force, 46-36, in the championship game, completing the tournament with an average margin of victory of 11 goals per game.
The title marked the men’s program’s 18th consecutive national championship and 40th overall since the team’s founding in 1976.
“Our team has always been strong on carrying the legacy of those that came before us,” said Class of 2026 Cadet Jamison Uptgraft. “Our team values of teamwork, honor and brotherhood allow us to focus on making the former men’s team handball graduates proud.”
Class of 2027 Cadet Owen Rodgers was named tournament MVP. Rodgers, Class of 2027 Cadet Thomas Nicholson and Class of 2028 Cadet Daniel Kramer were selected for the All-Tournament team.
For the cadet-athletes, the championships represented more than athletic achievement. They reflected the Academy’s mission to develop leaders of character prepared to lead under pressure.
“Wearing ‘Army West Point’ across our chests in a championship game means everything to us,” Rhuda said. “It grounds us and reminds us that we are competing for something far greater than ourselves — we are representing the Academy, those who came before us and the country we will soon serve.”
Capt. Dajah Treece said the teams’ performance reflected the larger purpose of representing West Point and the Army on a national stage.
“It’s not just about performance; it’s about how we carry ourselves and represent not just the Academy, but also the Army,” Treece said. “We’re expected to compete at a high level while showing discipline, respect and integrity in every public interaction.”