2020 Spring Salute: University of Northwestern

2020 Spring Salute: University of Northwestern

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Following the cancellation of remaining spring sport seasons and tournaments and championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) launched the "2020 Spring Salute" as a means to honor all conference programs, coaches and student-athletes during the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.

The UMAC would like to recognize the University of Northwestern administrators, coaches, staff and student-athletes for their commitment to the mission, vision and core values of the conference. During this incredibly difficult time, we appreciate all that Northwestern leadership has done for athletics and especially spring sport student-athletes who saw their seasons end abruptly. 

Northwestern and the UMAC would like to thank the following senior and graduating student-athletes for their dedication to their respective sports during their collegiate careers. Being a student-athlete is no easy task, but it will prepare them to go out to lead and make an incredible difference in the world. Thank you, seniors!
Sport Name Hometown Major
Baseball Holt Goodwin Orinda, Calif. Criminal Justice
Baseball Caleb Piersma Pella, Iowa Interdisciplinary Studies
Baseball Carter Michaelson South St. Paul, Minn. Marketing
Softball Faith Forcier Watkins, Minn. Math Education
Men's Outdoor Track and Field Jordan Almquist Andover, Minn. Business Finance
Men's Outdoor Track and Field Kyle Meinke Victoria, Minn. Criminal Justice
Women's Outdoor Track and Field Danielle Conklin Pillager, Minn. Biology Pre-Med
Women's Outdoor Track and Field Lydia DeBuhr Lino Lakes, Minn. Engineering
Women's Outdoor Track and Field Chloe Pruitt Winchester, Calif. Kinesiology - Sports Medicine
Women's Outdoor Track and Field Amanda Sonnenburg Apple Valley, Minn. Biology
Women's Outdoor Track and Field Brandhi Whittemore Milaca, Minn. Health Sciences
Women's Tennis Shawna Spears Thief River Falls, Minn. Elementary Education


Below are messages from some Northwestern spring sport coaches to their teams and seniors:
From Men's and Women's Tennis Head Coach Matt Swigart "To my teams: Men and Women, I could not be more proud of the growth as individuals, followers of Jesus and tennis players you showed in this difficult and abbreviated season. Regardless of what we could have done those lessons and that growth will serve you well as you move on from here. Congrats on a great career, Shawna Spears! I’ll see you all in the fall when we get to start again! God bless."

From Softball Head Coach Alicia Du'Monceaux: "This team was something special. We were blessed to be able to get our spring trip in, which gave me the opportunity to see how they all came together as a team day in and day out. I know it didn’t end up how any of us anticipated, but I can’t wait to get back with each and every one of them to continue on this journey we all started together. Faith! It has been a joy to watch her grow and develop throughout her four years at UNW. Her vocal leadership, constant encouragement, tireless work ethic and contagious energy will be missed greatly. Her future students will be blessed to have her as a teacher, as I know she will continue to impact many in her teaching career."

From Men's and Women's Track and Field Head Coach Steve Theissen: "I want to give a huge shout out to our graduating players. It’s been a delight to coach you and watch you train, compete, support and encourage one another over the course of your Eagle’s track and field playing career! You have impacted me and your teammates with your work ethic, determination and commitment to keep getting better. I am grateful for the contribution and influence you brought to the program. Thank you!

As we abruptly wrapped up this crazy COVID-19 shortened season, I want you to know my enthusiasm exceeds my disappointment because I choose to believe your future is much brighter than a lost season of play. I am excited to watch you continue in pursuit of your career ambitions, personal goals and to influence your family, friends and community. God is good! He is faithful! His love endures forever! And Eagles soar!"

From Baseball Head Coach Dave Hieb: “The sudden end of the 2020 season has had a big impact on my seniors and as we have three guys who will be graduating from our program this year. Holt Goodwin (1B & 3B from Orinda, CA) came to us after stops at junior colleges in Northern California and Rochester Community and Technical College. Holt brought our program a level of maturity and a professional approach to the game. What I’ll miss most about Holt is his quiet determination to play at a high level.

Our next Senior is Caleb Piersma (OF from Pella, IA) who graduates after thre years in our program. Caleb s an exceptionally intelligent player with a strong baseball IQ. Caleb's speed was a huge asset in our program as an outfielder and his athletic ability allowed him the opportunity to play middle infield and pitch as well in his time at Northwestern.

Our last senior is Carter Michaelson (OF from South St Paul, MN) who will graduate this Spring and will be starting a job this May.  After came in as a Pitcher and also played football at Northwestern. Although a shoulder injury impacted his baseball career, Carter was one of the hardest working players in our program. His overall strength and maturity impacted our players both on and off the field.

It’s tough to say good-bye to these players, but these guys have set the foundation of what our program has been built upon. These guys take a piece of my heart with them as they go out into the world. My life and our program is richer for having these guys play at UNW."


Keep up on social media all day as the UMAC says, "Thank you, Eagles!" Share stories, memories and messages of thanks and gratitude for Northwestern student-athletes, coaches and staff using #UMACsalute and #ThanksEagles. 
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2020 Spring Salute Archives