The Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Roadrunners captured their first NCAA Division II national championship on December 13, 2023, defeating Concordia-St. Paul 3-1 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This historic victory marked a significant milestone for the program, following four consecutive years of regional final losses.
The Roadrunners’ journey to the championship began during their annual retreat in August. Head coach Jenny Glenn and her team gathered around a campfire in Grand County, Colorado, where they embarked on a transformative mental exercise. According to outside hitter and team captain Skyler Michael, they confronted their fears and laid the groundwork for a season defined by resilience and identity.
“We just had to unwrap all our fears, and bring them out into the light,” Michael stated. “It was almost like we were cleaning out all the garbage in our minds. Then we had to fill that room up with who we really are — our ‘true identities.’”
Recognizing the need for a different approach after previous playoff disappointments, Glenn sought to enhance her team’s mental game by collaborating with mental coach Trisha Kroll. With Kroll’s guidance, the Roadrunners explored the essence of their identities, helping each athlete understand their unique strengths. Glenn identified as a “leader of hearts,” while Michael saw herself as a “wayfinder.” This focus on personal identity became central to their success.
MSU Denver faced early challenges in the season, suffering two conference losses to Colorado Mesa and Colorado School of Mines. However, the Roadrunners rebounded, winning 23 consecutive matches to close the season, culminating in a program-record 32 victories. Their triumphs included securing the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) regular-season title and the conference tournament championship.
Kroll, who emphasized the importance of overcoming learned fears, noted, “The two groups of people that have the lowest fear of failure are babies and butt-kickers. The Roadrunners became butt-kickers because they unlearned the fear of failure.” By embracing their true identities, the team established a mindset that allowed them to perform freely under pressure.
The Roadrunners’ mental preparation proved critical as they advanced through the NCAA Championship. They ended Wingate’s 30-match win streak in the Elite Eight and swept the previously undefeated Tampa in the Final Four. Facing the formidable Concordia-St. Paul, a team with a record nine national titles, MSU Denver displayed remarkable composure, securing their victory in the final match.
The team’s triumph was even more significant given the loss of All-American outside hitter Annika Helf to a knee injury during the Elite Eight. In her absence, teammate Megan Hagar stepped up, earning her first career double-double in the championship match. Hagar credited the team’s mental training for unlocking her performance.
“It took putting the team before myself and giving to them the best of my ‘true identity,’” Hagar said. “I reminded myself of the value of my ‘true identity’ and it unlocked me mentally.”
As MSU Denver looks ahead, they graduate only Helf from this championship team, suggesting a promising future. Glenn emphasized that the title is a testament to the team’s unity and understanding of their identities. “Our ability to do what we did superseded all of that because we knew who we were as a team,” she remarked.
The Roadrunners’ success story reflects the power of mental preparation and identity in sports. Their historic national title is not just a win but a symbol of their journey, rooted in self-discovery and collective strength. With their newfound confidence, MSU Denver stands poised for continued success in the seasons to come.
