Grand Rapids, MI – It was another banner week for Aquinas athletics in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, as the Saints scooped up not one, not two, but three WHAC Player of the Week awards. Two came from cross country and one from volleyball, showcasing the depth, drive, and pride of Saints Nation.
Natalie West – Women's Volleyball Setter of the Week
Freshman setter Natalie West wasted no time making her mark on the WHAC. Playing with poise well beyond her years, West dished out a career-high 59 assists in Aquinas' thrilling five-set road victory at Cornerstone. She didn't just pass the ball — she filled the stat sheet with five kills, 15 digs, and a service ace, proving she's already one of the league's most versatile players.
A Livonia native and graduate of Stevenson High School, West came to Aquinas with an impressive prep résumé, earning multiple All-Conference and All-Region honors, plus All-State Honorable Mention in 2024. A four-year varsity standout, she also brought home MVP awards and Scholar-Athlete recognition. At AQ, she's quickly won over her teammates with her energy and skill.
Head Coach Ryan Campbell praised his rookie setter, saying: "Natalie has stepped in with confidence and consistency. For a freshman to command the offense in such a big match and deliver like that says everything about her work ethic and potential. She's already a difference-maker for us."
Juan David Hernandez – Men's Runner of the Week
Senior Juan David Hernandez set the tone for the Saints men's cross country squad in their season-opening meet at the Diemer Classic, hosted by Calvin University. Facing a strong field, Hernandez blazed to a second-place overall finish in 25:31, leading Aquinas to a first-place team victory that came down to a thrilling tiebreaker with Davenport.
A Grand Rapids native and graduate of City High School, Hernandez has been a fixture for the Saints for four years, competing in both cross country and track. Known for his energy, positivity, and love for "trophies," he embodies what it means to compete with passion.
Head Coach Mike Wojciakowski was quick to highlight his senior leader: "Hernandez has been such a steady presence for us. He raced with composure, toughness, and a team-first mentality that elevated everyone around him. His second-place finish was huge, but even bigger was how he inspired his teammates to believe we could win that meet."
Madison Rempalski – Women's Runner of the Week
On the women's side, senior Madison Rempalski shined at the Diemer Classic, clocking an impressive 18:07 to place second overall and guide the Saints to a runner-up team finish behind host Calvin. Currently ranked #17 in the NAIA, the Saints are off to a fast start thanks to leaders like Rempalski.
A double major in Environmental Science and Political Science, Rempalski has built an extraordinary résumé in just three years, earning WHAC Newcomer of the Year honors across all three seasons (cross country, indoor track, outdoor track), a WHAC 1500m title, and ranking fourth all-time in AQ's 5000m record books. Beyond the accolades, she's known for her leadership, academic success, and commitment to sustainability both on campus and in the community.
Coach Wojciakowski applauded her performance: "Madison has turned herself into one of the top runners in the WHAC and the NAIA. Her second-place finish at a meet like the Diemer Classic shows the work she's put in and the confidence she carries. She's the type of runner who sets the tone for our team."
Final Thoughts
Three Saints. Three WHAC honors. One program that just keeps raising the bar. Whether on the volleyball court or the cross country course, Aquinas is proving early in the 2025 season that every day is a great day to be a Saint.
