MSU President's Newspaper Column
April 25, 2026
Building Comet Pride and shaping the Mayville State Experience
College athletics play a vital role in shaping campus culture, strengthening community connections, and providing opportunities for students. This spring, Mayville State University has seen powerful examples of that impact, highlighted by unforgettable moments on the field, and individual achievements.
On April 21, the Comets softball team delivered an exciting performance at Paul Karlstad Field in Portland, sweeping Valley City State in two home games. These games were especially meaningful, in part because opportunities to compete at home during the season are rare due to the weather associated with spring in North Dakota. The familiar field and the chance to watch Comets softball in Portland underscored what the contests meant, not just to the student-athletes, but to the fans, families, and community members who rally behind them.
Just days earlier, Comets history more than two decades in the making was written on the pitcher’s mound. On April 13, Baileigh Momberg, a sophomore from Bishop, Calif., threw a no-hitter against Bismarck State. This was a remarkable accomplishment for Baileigh and a milestone for the program. It was the first no-hitter for Mayville State Softball since 2004. Performances like Momberg’s are the result of countless hours of hard work, trust among teammates, and the competitive grit that is at the heart of college athletics. It’s further a tribute to a great team effort.
As the season progresses, we think about the seniors on the softball team - Leticia Herrera and Antarez Sierra, both from Phoenix, Ariz. These student-athletes have represented Mayville State with pride while balancing the demands of academics with competition, travel, and leadership responsibilities. Their impact extends beyond wins and losses. They have served as role models on and off the field. Mayville State extends heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to these seniors for their commitment, resilience, and lasting contributions to the Comets softball program.
Mayville State recently welcomed Jenna Bolstad as our new women’s basketball head coach, and she has wasted no time in making her mark. Bolstad hit the ground running when she arrived on campus last week. She has been recruiting players, getting to know her current players, engaging with the Mayville-Portland community, meeting campus peers, and planning for summer camps. Her energy and hands-on approach point to an exciting new chapter for Comet women’s basketball, in addition to reflecting the university’s commitment to growth, student-athlete development, and competitive excellence.
These achievements and activities come together with many others not mentioned here to tell a bigger story about the importance of Comet Athletics. Athletics brings people together, creates shared memories, and provides opportunities for students to grow as leaders, teammates, and citizens. Whether it’s a historic no-hitter, a celebratory home sweep, the legacy of graduating seniors, or the arrival of new leadership with fresh vision, Comet Athletics continues to enrich campus life and strengthen the bonds between the university and the community. At Mayville State, athletics are a powerful component of the student experience and a source of pride for all who call themselves Comets.
Stay up-to-date with Comet Athletics, including Comets Baseball, which is also currently in season, visit www.msucomets.com.