GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Every other week during the academic year, Aquinas College Athletic Communications celebrates excellence across campus by naming the Saints of the Week — student-athletes and staff who embody what it means to be All In for Aquinas.
For November 10–23, 2025, three standout individuals rose above the rest: Lauren Chioini (Women's Volleyball), Devon Boyd (Men's Basketball), and Coach Brandon Rozema (Director of Hockey Operations & Men's DI Head Coach).
Female Saint of the Week: Lauren Chioini (Women's Volleyball)
There is no question that Lauren Chioini is one of the elite volleyball players in the WHAC. The reigning WHAC Player of the Year continues to dominate on the floor — but it's her character, humility, and work ethic off the court that truly set her apart.
A senior from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Chioini is majoring in Health Science with a minor in Developmental Psychology. Since picking up volleyball in seventh grade, she has built an extraordinary résumé: WHAC All-Freshman honors, Mideast Region Freshman of the Year, All-American Honorable Mention, All-WHAC First Team, CSC Academic All-District, and All-Region First Team. She was also a key contributor to Aquinas' 2024 WHAC Conference and Tournament Championship teams.
A four-year varsity standout at Bloomfield Hills High School, Chioini also played for Team Detroit, Force Volleyball Academy, and Michigan Elite. She spent time as a varsity soccer goalkeeper and continued playing club soccer into her sophomore year. Drawn to Aquinas for its close-knit community, she values the relationships she has built across campus and is known among teammates for her newfound hobby — crafting the perfect cup of coffee.
Coach Ryan Campbell praised Chioini for being the complete package:
"Lauren is a complete player. She competes at a high level on the court and in the classroom. I'm proud of what she has accomplished during her time at Aquinas!"
Male Saint of the Week: Devon Boyd (Men's Basketball)
Redshirt senior Devon Boyd, a Grand Rapids native and Catholic Central graduate, has become one of the cultural pillars within the Aquinas men's basketball program. Majoring in Business Administration, Boyd brings maturity, poise, and consistency to the Saints, both as a leader and as a competitor.
During his high school career, Boyd earned All-Conference honors and helped guide Catholic Central to four straight league championships. He arrived at Aquinas with a clear purpose: to help build a championship culture rooted in accountability and team-first values. His definition of success is simple — winning games and elevating those around him. Off the court, he enjoys spending time with teammates and unwinding with video games.
Coach Ryan Bertoia highlighted Boyd's growth and drive:
"Devon works extremely hard on his game. We are challenging him to be more of a leader and push his game to a higher level. But we are proud of him and all he has gone through and what a spectacular student-athlete he is."
Saint Support Superstar: Coach Brandon Rozema (Director of Hockey Operations & Men's DI Head Coach)
Few members of the Aquinas athletics staff carry more responsibility — or embrace it with more enthusiasm — than Men's DI Hockey Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brandon Rozema. His days often begin before sunrise with 6 a.m. practice sessions at Southside Ice Arena, followed by hours at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center assisting AQ Athletic Manager of Operations Mary Takas, or the any task needed of the Director of Hockey Operations. Anyone who follows AQ Hockey, knows that hockey is almost all year long and seven days a week.
Between breaking down game film, meeting with recruits, organizing equipment repairs, and maintaining locker room facilities at the ice arena, Rozema's workload would overwhelm most. Yet he always finds room to do more. When the department needed an interim Golf Coach, he stepped in without hesitation. When the Women's Hockey team needed support during a staff emergency, he traveled with them to New York. And he has done all of this while adjusting to life as a new father.
An Aquinas alum and former Saints hockey standout, Rozema carries deep pride in representing the program that shaped him.
Athletic Director Damon Bouwkamp applauded Rozema's unwavering dedication:
"Brandon is the kind of leader every department dreams of, he is someone who steps up for anything that's asked of him while never losing sight of the responsibilities that matter most. His dedication, humility, and love for Aquinas shine through in everything he does. He's a Saint through and through."
Saints Setting the Standard
Whether it's excellence in competition, multi-sport versatility, or the unseen work that keeps teams moving forward, this week's honorees reflect the heart of Aquinas Athletics — individuals who commit fully, uplift their teammates, and live the mission in their daily lives.
Want to help celebrate our next group of honorees? Nominate a deserving student-athlete or staff member for Saint of the Week or Saint Support Superstar by contacting Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin at sutherlinj@aquinas.edu or by submitting a nomination through the online form.
The next honorees of the 2025–26 season will be announced Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Until then, remember — it's always a great day to be a Saint!