Grand Rapids, Mich. — WHAC Player of the Week honors rolled in for Aquinas College following another successful week of competition from October 27 – November 2, 2025. Three Saints earned recognition for their standout performances: Brooke Binder (Sr – Bay City, MI) and David Schaberg (Sr – Holt, MI) from bowling, and Natalie West (Fr – Livonia, MI) from women's volleyball. Together, the trio showcased the depth of Aquinas Athletics and its continued excellence across multiple programs.
Women's Volleyball – Setter of the Week: Natalie West
Freshman setter Natalie West continues to make her mark as one of the top players in the WHAC, earning her sixth Setter of the Week award of the 2025 season. Over two matches—both Aquinas victories—West recorded an impressive 62 assists, averaging 10.33 per set, while also contributing 1.33 digs per set and three service aces. Against Lawrence Tech, she dished out 33 assists and added a service ace, before following that up with 29 assists, five digs, and two aces in a sweep of Rochester Christian. Her ability to run the offense with precision and poise has been critical to the Saints' success and consistency this fall.
Coach Ryan Campbell praised his young setter's maturity and leadership on the court:
"Natalie's growth this season has been nothing short of incredible. She plays with the composure of a senior and the confidence of someone who's been in this system for years. Her teammates trust her, our hitters feed off her energy, and she's become the steady hand that drives everything we do."
West's playmaking and vision have elevated the Saints' attack, keeping opponents guessing and momentum on Aquinas' side. Her sixth weekly honor cements her as one of the premier setters in the conference and one of the brightest freshmen in the nation.
Men's Bowling – Bowler of the Week: David Schaberg
Senior David Schaberg was locked in at the WHAC #2 Great Lakes Open, capturing first place individually with a 669 series across three games—an average of 223 pins per game. His day began with a blistering 277 first game, which set the tone for both his own performance and the entire Aquinas men's team. Schaberg's consistency, focus, and energy helped the Saints not only top the individual standings but also capture the team championship in a loaded WHAC field.
Coach Harold Klukowski couldn't have been prouder of his senior leader:
"David bowled with confidence and control from the very first frame. That 277 opener told everyone in the building that he was there to win. What made the day truly special, though, was seeing our men's team rally around his energy and bring home the team title. It was an epic showing all around."
Schaberg's performance was another reminder of his reliability and leadership in clutch situations. As the season progresses, his example continues to push the Saints toward greater success on and off the lanes.
Women's Bowling – Bowler of the Week: Brooke Binder
Senior Brooke Binder led the charge for the Aquinas women's bowling team, earning individual champion honors at the WHAC #2 Great Lakes Open with a 623 series and a 207.67 average. Her day was highlighted by a 243 second game, one of the highest scores of the entire tournament, helping set the tone for another strong team performance. Binder's steady mechanics and relentless focus have made her one of the WHAC's most consistent bowlers throughout her career, and this weekend was another chapter in her stellar senior campaign.
Coach Harold Klukowski highlighted both Binder's talent and her influence on the program:
"Brooke bowled lights out all day long. That 243 game was just Brooke being Brooke—locked in, confident, and leading by example. Her success shows how far our women's program has come and how much pride these athletes take in representing Aquinas. She's leaving a legacy that will last long after her final frame."
Binder's performance adds yet another accolade to her impressive résumé, underscoring both her individual excellence and the collective growth of the Saints' women's bowling program.
Saints March On
Week after week, Aquinas student-athletes continue to raise the bar and represent the Saints with pride, skill, and sportsmanship. Whether it's strikes on the lanes or sets on the court, their performances remind everyone across the conference that success at Aquinas is no accident—it's a standard. Because when the spotlight shines on the best in the WHAC, it's no surprise who's standing in it… just another reminder that it's always a great day to be a Saint.
