The Missouri State University Handball program delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 USHA (United States Handball Association) Collegiate National Tournament.

The team earned national runner-up honors, showcasing the strength and depth of one of the nation’s premier collegiate handball programs.

The tournament, held Feb. 18-22 at the U.S. National Handball Center in St. Louis, welcomed competitors from 30 universities across the country. Missouri State sent a delegation of 25 players who competed in multiple individual brackets that contributed to the overall combined team standings.

When all points were tallied, the Bears secured the Combined Team National Runner-Up title, Women’s Division National Runner-Up honors and a third-place finish in the Men’s Division.

“I’m so proud of how our players competed at nationals,” head coach Christian Madsen said. “They represented us well, upholding the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence and family culture. We’re excited about the future with these student-athletes.”

The players

Representing the men’s team were Jackson Bauer, Eli Birdsong, Devon Blackwell, John Feine, Will Gardenhire, Sam Hall, Tanner Hoover, Luke Jordan, Wyatt Mahoney, Seth Miller, Hogan Nieman, Fabian Solano, Cole Stellhorn, Breyden Walker and Nick Wilson.

The women’s team included Erin Bland, Kelly Brennan, Brynley Brotherton, Windsor Brotherton, Rebeca Clarida, Lauren Masengarb, Jessica Ratermann, Dru Robinson, Elaina Schoene, Brynley Waters and Elaina Wilson.

“This achievement is an exciting symbol of what we stand for and what’s to come in the years ahead,” said Bland, handball team president. “It represents our work ethic, dedication and ability to overcome obstacles we faced this year.”

Beyond podium finishes, moments of teamwork defined the tournament experience. One particular night, many players had early games the next morning. Yet, they stayed to support a doubles team that played a tiebreaker past 11 p.m. The team secured an 11-9 victory in the deciding game.

“It was incredible to see the support and how that impacted the match,” Bland said. “The two players were exhausted but pushed on hearing the roar of the Bears cheering them on.”

Program history

In 1987, Dr. Tommy Burnett started what would become one of the most successful collegiate handball programs in the country.

The program has an unmatched 41 national titles in three categories (18 women, eight men and 15 combined titles) and 69 All-Americans. It is a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2011) and the women’s team was inducted again in 2021.

The team trains at the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts at Missouri State. Burnett passed away in July 2021, but the legacy and program continue. In May 2022, Madsen took over as head coach and the program continues to thrive.