73rd USHA Collegiate Nationals Shine at the U.S. National Handball Center
- Jeff Streibig
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
HAZELWOOD, Mo. — Championship Sunday at the U.S. National Handball Center delivered a fitting conclusion to a historic week as the 2026 USHA Collegiate Nationals brought more than 180 collegiate handball athletes and over 25 university programs to St. Louis. Originally scheduled for Springfield, the tournament was relocated after flooding made the Missouri State courts unplayable. Thanks to an extraordinary effort from local volunteers, the National Handball Center was prepared on short notice to host one of the sport’s premier events.
That effort did not go unnoticed. Players, coaches, and spectators repeatedly praised the facility and the St. Louis handball community, whose long hours ensured the tournament could be held at a championship level.
Doyle Captures Second Collegiate Crown in Thrilling Men’s Final
The Men’s Open final featured two of the sport’s rising stars: Mark Doyle (Minnesota State) and Kyle Jordan (SETU-Ireland). Jordan jumped out to a commanding 14–5 lead in game one behind a barrage of serves and kill shots, but Doyle clawed back to tie the score at 19–19 before Jordan closed it out, 21–19.
Doyle responded in dominant fashion in game two, controlling the pace from the outset to win 21–10. He carried that momentum into the tiebreaker, racing to a 7–0 lead and sealing the match, 11–2, with a back-wall roll-out to claim his second USHA Collegiate National Championship.
Munroe Ends Collegiate Career with Third National Title
In the Women’s Open final, Clodagh Munroe (Minnesota State) completed one of the most decorated collegiate careers in recent memory. Facing a strong challenge from freshman Caramel Kelleher (TCD-Ireland), Munroe regrouped after trailing early in game one to win 21–16, then controlled game two with precise ceiling shots and right-hand kills to secure the title.
Munroe finishes her collegiate career with three national championships in four years, cementing her place among the sport’s all-time great collegiate players.
Minnesota State Dynasty Continues; Missouri State Finishes Runner-Up
Minnesota State Mankato once again demonstrated its depth and dominance, sweeping the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, and Combined Team National Championships.
Host-region program Missouri State, located just down the road in Springfield, was well represented throughout the week and finished as the Combined Open runner-up, continuing its long tradition as one of the premier collegiate programs in the country. The Bears and their alumni were also vital in volunteering and helping making sure the tournament ran smoothly.
A Championship Experience Beyond the Court
While the finals provided unforgettable moments, the week was equally defined by the atmosphere inside the National Handball Center.
Crowds filled the courts from early morning into late evening, with matches stretching past midnight and 1am some nights. Local spectators, youth players, and visiting teams experienced the sport in a professional-level setting, reinforcing the Center’s role as a hub for both elite competition and community engagement.
Saturday afternoon featured a junior clinic led by Killian Carroll, where visiting New York juniors joined some St. Louis youth on the courts — a small example of what the Center is all about.
Celebrating the Collegiate Community
The USHA Collegiate Awards Banquet brought athletes, coaches, and supporters together inside the John F. Kennedy Community Center in Florrisant to recognize excellence both on and off the court.
USNHC President Jeff Streibig was greeted with a standing ovation as he addressed the crowd, reflecting on the work that went into preparing the facility and what it meant to host collegiate nationals in the new home of American handball.
Scholarships were awarded through the Mardak, Team Aware, and David Chapman Memorial programs, honoring student-athletes who are growing the sport in their communities.
The evening also recognized:
All-Americans and All-Tournament selections
Spirit of Handball Award winners
Most Improved players
USHA Collegiate Coaches of the Year
The banquet concluded with a huge applause for the coaches who continue to build collegiate handball programs across the country.
National Handball Center Steps Up
The relocation of the tournament due to flooding in Springfield created a significant challenge, but it also highlighted the purpose of the National Handball Center. A place Handball can always come and call home when needed.
Volunteers worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the event to prepare the courts, seating areas, and tournament operations — ensuring the championship could proceed at the highest level.
For many visiting teams, this was their first time competing inside the dedicated handball facility, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. A big thank you to those who donated their time to make this tournament possible and successful.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 73rd USHA Collegiate Nationals reinforces the growing momentum around the U.S. National Handball Center as a destination for national championships, professional events, and youth development.
What began as an emergency relocation became a defining moment for the facility — a week that showcased not only the best of collegiate handball but also the strength and purpose behind the National Handball Center.
Comments