Marion, Ind. (Dec. 10, 2025) — The Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) women's volleyball team claimed its third consecutive NAIA national championship Tuesday night with a 3-1 victory over the Northwestern College Iowa Raiders at the Tyson Events Center.
Securing their third red banner, the Wildcats joined Fresno Pacific University (Calif.), Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo as the only schools in NAIA history to win three consecutive national volleyball championships.
The championship match showcased the resilience and determination that has defined IWU's volleyball program under head coach Candace Moats. After winning a tightly contested first set 25-23, the Wildcats fell behind when Northwestern rallied from a deficit to take the second set 25-23 with four straight points. IWU responded with commanding performances in the third and fourth sets, holding firm through back-and-forth play before closing out both sets with decisive runs.
Senior setter Abbigail Porter capped her illustrious career with 48 assists in the championship match, pushing her over 5,000 assists for her career. Eva Joldersma led the Wildcats with 20 kills and 11 digs, while Marissa Mullins added 15 kills and four blocks. Shae Williams contributed 14 kills with an impressive .312 hitting percent, and the Wildcats hit an efficient .455 in the decisive fourth set.
"The heart of this team, that plays for each other, plays for the Lord, and gives absolutely everything on the court, I have never had a team like this before," said Moats. "I do not have words to express how grateful I am to have been the coach of this senior class. They are a class act who love the Lord, each other and playing for Indiana Wesleyan University. I will never forget the impact they have made on my life!"
Deane Webb, director of athletics at IWU, said, “We are grateful to God for this remarkable accomplishment and congratulate Coach Moats, her staff and our student-athletes. Their Christ-centered leadership and the way our athletes compete with gratitude and excellence continue to build a legacy that represents IWU so well.”
The championship victory caps a remarkable 33-4 season for the Wildcats and extends IWU's dominance in NAIA volleyball. The program has now won 108 of its last 114 matches over the past three seasons, cementing its place among the nation's elite programs.
The Wildcats’ third consecutive national title reflects a program committed to competitive excellence and to developing student-athletes who honor Christ through their play. The championship is a testament to the dedication, faith, and teamwork that have become hallmarks of IWU volleyball.
