Grand Rapids, MI — Aquinas College is making noise early in the fall season, and the rest of the WHAC is taking notice. Three Saints delivered performances too good to ignore, sweeping up conference recognition as Players of the Week. From game-saving stops in goal to highlight-reel kills and relentless defense on the court, Aquinas athletes proved they're ready to set the tone for a big year.

Women's Soccer – Defensive Player of the Week
Kayla Shuk (Sr., GK – Farmington Hills, MI)
Shuk was unbeatable between the pipes in Aquinas' season-opening 1-0 victory over Campbellsville (KY). She faced 15 shots and made five saves in a full 90 minutes of action, notching the shutout to secure the Saints' first win of the year.

Coach Jenna Smith praised her senior keeper: "Kayla was absolutely locked in. She brought confidence and composure in the net.  That, plus her leadership, set the tone for our entire team. We're fortunate to have her experience guiding us this season."

Women's Volleyball – Attacker of the Week
Cece Pelak (Jr., OH – Mattawan, MI)
Pelak was a force at the net across four matches, piling up 63 kills, including 23 against Bethel and 16 more against Indiana East. She added nine service aces and 37 digs while averaging well over three kills per set.

Head Coach Ryan Campbell had high praise: "Cece is one of the most reliable attackers in the WHAC. She's fearless, she swings hard, and she wants the ball in the biggest moments. That competitiveness is what makes her special."

Women's Volleyball – Defensive Player of the Week
Bella Hommes (Sr., DS – Grand Rapids, MI)
Hommes was a rock in the Saints' back row, collecting 90 digs across the weekend, with 25 digs apiece against Grace and Indiana East. She also chipped in eight service aces and consistently steadied serve-receive to keep the Saints in rhythm.

Coach Campbell lauded her effort: "Bella is an integral part of our defense. She plays with grit, reads the game so well, and constantly keeps rallies alive. Her impact doesn't always show up in the box score, but our entire team feeds off her energy."

Saints on the Rise

This is only the beginning. With three conference awards already in the young season, Aquinas is showing the talent, depth, and determination to be a force all year long. As the competition heats up, the Saints are hungry for more—and this won't be the last week AQ student-athletes are celebrated among the WHAC's best. It's a proud moment for the program, and an early statement that the Saints are here to contend.  You might have heard this somewhere, but it bears repeating, it's a great time to be a SAINT!