ASU Handball Club Wins Three National Titles, Places Fourth at USHA Collegiate Nationals

SAN ANGELO, TX - The Angelo State University Handball Club won three individual national titles and placed fourth in the Combined Open standings at the recent 73rd U.S. Handball Association (USHA) National Collegiate Championships at the U.S. National Handball Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

The ASU Handball Club sent 19 student-athletes, 12 men and seven women, to compete against teams representing more than 20 universities from the U.S., Canada and Ireland. The ASU team placed fourth overall in the Combined Open Division with the ASU women's team taking fourth place in the Women's Open Division and the ASU men's team placing fourth in the Men's Open Division.

Individually for ASU, Kimberly Hostetter won the Gold Medal in Women's B Singles , and Andrew Nunez won the Gold Medal in Men's C2 Singles . The ASU doubles team of Jacob Mitchell and Dylan Whitley entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and won the Gold Medal in Men's A Doubles over the top-seeded team from Texas A&M University.

ASU also set several new team records at the tournament. Austin Colwell reached the Men's A1 Singles semifinal and placed 19th overall, the highest-ever finish for an ASU men's player. Plus, the ASU men's and women's teams each posted their highest-ever points totals at nationals, leading to ASU's highest-ever combined team total.

Additionally, ASU's Israel Lopez Jr. was awarded a USHA Mardak Scholarship at the national tournament awards banquet. About 15 scholarships were awarded to full-time collegiate athletes who are teaching handball to other kids or students. Lopez was recognized for assisting with ASU beginner handball practices, instructing Physical Activity courses in handball as a graduate assistant, and participating in other club activities.

"We are incredibly proud of our team and all of their individual achievements," said Head Coach Diarmuid Mulkerrins. "Nationals is the highlight of each year, and the players truly gave it their all and performed outstandingly across the board. Winning two singles championships and a doubles championship is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to their hard work and dedication."

"We also had several players reach new personal milestones, as well as new school records being set," said Assistant Coach Aoife Holden. "It's brilliant to see the continued growth and progress of the team."

Student-athletes representing the ASU Handball Club, with their hometowns and academic majors, included:

ASU Women's Team

• Jaycie (Ashe) Chapman of Goldthwaite (psychology)
• Chloe Davidson of San Angelo (interdisciplinary studies)
• Alayni Delgado of San Angelo (business administration)
• Kimberly Hostetter of San Angelo (agricultural science and leadership)
• Ilaneah Messenger of San Angelo (exercise science)
• Katlynne Proffit of Del Rio (mathematics)
• Taigan Rivers of San Angelo (exercise science)

ASU Men's Team

• Austin Colwell of San Angelo (mechanical engineering)
• Alejandro Delima of Salado (commercial aviation)
• Jaime Guerrero of Corpus Christi (kinesiology)
• Israel Lopez Jr. of San Angelo (kinesiology)
• Marcus Martinez of Imperial (exercise science)
• Phillip Martinez of Imperial (cybersecurity)
• Jacob Mitchell of San Antonio (commercial aviation)
• Andrew Nunez of Hargill (coaching, sport, recreation and fitness administration)
• Orlando Resendiz of Menard (exercise science)
• Luis Segovia of Del Rio (biology)
• Cade Whitley of Tioga (border and homeland security)
• Dylan Whitley of Tioga (intelligence and analysis)

"At the highest level ever achieved at Angelo State, this year's team played with pride, integrity and unwavering commitment," said Dr. Veronica Snow, ASU faculty advisor. "They gave their best in every moment, representing ASU with honor and helping build a broader handball family rooted in respect, connection and love for the game."

The ASU Handball Club's coaches, Ireland natives Mulkerrins and Holden, are both 2025 ASU graduates with master's degrees in coaching, sport, recreation and fitness administration. They were also named the 2025 USHA Collegiate Coaches of the Year at the national tournament.

For regular updates, follow the ASU Handball Club on Facebook and Instagram, @AngeloStateHandball.