Columbia University’s softball team is making headlines as first-year pitcher Mads Lawson has been named both the Ivy League Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year. This achievement marks Lawson as only the second player in Ivy League history to secure both honors in the same season. Alongside Lawson, senior Sarah Mikami and sophomore Juju O'Brien received Second Team All-Ivy recognition, while senior Eleni Katsivalis and sophomore Caylene Nguyen earned Honorable Mention accolades. The Lions, who finished the regular season with a 20-21 overall record and a 12-9 mark in Ivy play, are set to begin postseason action against Harvard on May 7 in the Ivy League Tournament.
In fencing, Columbia's Samarth Kumbla and Nicole Xuan have been recognized by the United States Fencing Coaches Association for their outstanding performances this season. Kumbla was named the National Men's Foil Collegiate Athlete of the Year after winning the NCAA men's foil title, becoming Columbia's first men's NCAA champion since 2022. Xuan earned the Women's Epee Newcomer of the Year award, having reached the semifinals at the NCAA Championships and securing a first-team All-America selection.
Columbia baseball's Evan Kleinhans received the Ivy League Pitcher of the Week honor following a remarkable performance against Cornell, where he pitched 8.1 scoreless innings, contributing to a 2-0 victory in game two of a doubleheader. This recognition marks the first time a Columbia pitcher has received the award since April 2024. The Lions finished the regular season strong, clinching the fourth and final spot in the Ivy League playoffs.
Finally, Columbia's field hockey program has announced its 2026 recruiting class, welcoming seven new athletes who are expected to contribute significantly to the team's future. Coach Niki Miller expressed excitement about the incoming talent, emphasizing the potential for these recruits to enhance the program's competitive spirit and culture.