LONG GROVE, Iowa -- The University of Dubuque secured its sixth American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) title in the last seven years after posting a 322 in the final round to best the field by 33 shots. Coe College finished runner-up with a three-round total of 971. UD's
Leah Balsbaugh is taking home individual medalist honors, for the second time in her career, after posting a three-round total of 938.
The Spartans maintained thier lead throughout the championship. UD was led by Balsbaugh, the school's first multi time medalist at the championship. She won the championship in 2023 at Ames Golf & Country Club with a three-round total of 232. Balsbaugh never saw the lead until the final round. She posted rounds of 75-77-79 to claim medalist honors. Balsbaugh now earns the honor of 2025 A-R-C Most Valuable Golfer for her performance.
Dustin Bierman of the Univ. of Dubuque is the Coach of the Year, as voted on by the league's head coaches. He is earning this honor for the sixth time in his career, on the women's side.
UD has now earned the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Golf Championship, which will take place in May in California.
Rookie of the Year is presented to a true freshman who finishes the highest at the conference championship.
Paige Franzen of Coe College earned this honor after finishing T-10th at this year's championship. Her three-round total was 243.
All-Conference is presented to the top-ten finishers while Honorable Mention goes to places 11 through 15.
All-Conference:
Champion: Leah Balsbaugh, Univ. of Dubuque (231)
Runner-Up: Payton Morton, Univ. of Dubuque (233)
3rd: Drew Hoffer, Univ. of Dubuque (234)
4th: Annemarie Schloo, Luther (238)
5th: Allie Pfantz, Central (238)
6th: Kaycee Newman, Univ. of Dubuque (240)
7th: Lia Maxwell, Coe (242)
8th: Ellen Pechen, Loras (242)
9th: Jenna Bistline, Loras (242)
T-10th: Brooke Stellmaker, Buena Vista (243)
T-10th: Paige Franzen, Coe (243)
T-10th: Brenna Bodensteiner, Wartburg (243)
*Places 2nd through 9th are determined by a scorecard playoff*
Honorable Mention:
13th: Kye Daywitt, Coe (244)
14th: Morgan Witte, Coe (245)
T-15th: Kaylin Long, Simpson (247)
T-15th: Madyson Mummelthei, Wartburg (247)
Team Standings:
1. University of Dubuque (938)
2. Coe College (971)
3. Wartburg College (995)
4. Loras College (1004)
5. Buena Vista (1008)
6. Simpson (1009)
7. Central (1026)
8. Luther (1037)
9. Nebraska Wesleyan (1077)
Don't forget to become a fan of the American Rivers Conference on Facebook @AmericanRiversConference, X (Twitter) @AmerRiversConf, and Instagram @AmericanRiversConference.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
