DePauw Wins First Indiana Math Competition in 60-Year History

DePauw University just proved that newcomers can beat the old guard with the right attitude and preparation.

A team of three DePauw students claimed first place at the 2026 Indiana Collegiate Mathematics Competition, defeating 21 teams from 11 schools including Notre Dame. The winning trio scored 71.5 points, a full 8.5 points ahead of second place and more than double the competition average of 34.

What makes this victory remarkable is the timeline. DePauw only started competing in 2022, while many rival schools have participated for decades. In just four years, they went from complete unknowns to champions.

Professor Sutthirut Charoenphon deserves credit for building this program from scratch. She recruited students, organized training sessions, and developed a coaching philosophy that prioritizes joy over pressure.

"No pressure to win," Charoenphon tells her students every year. "Enjoy the math and do your best. Winning is just a bonus."

Why This Inspires

Charoenphon's approach shows how removing pressure can unlock potential. By trusting her students and encouraging them to compete for the love of mathematics rather than medals, she created an environment where excellence flourished naturally.

Student Chengyu Wang explained their mindset going into the competition. "We stayed focused on doing our best and performing to our own standard, rather than worrying too much about how other teams might do," he said.

The strategy worked brilliantly. The team entered relaxed and confident, trusting each other and their preparation. Three other DePauw teams also competed, finishing 5th, 10th, and 14th overall.

For Charoenphon, the victory represents vindication for believing in her students and her unconventional approach. "Four years ago, the bigger schools looked past us," she said. "Now we've beaten them, and they won't forget DePauw's name."

The university will receive a commemorative plaque from the Indiana Section of the Mathematical Association of America, marking the first time DePauw appears as champions in the competition's six-decade history.