Grand Rapids, MI – Graduate Assistants are the backbone of any athletic department, providing the energy, dedication, and reliability needed to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. Aquinas has a proud tradition of outstanding GA's, and this year's group is already proving to be no exception. Thanks to an initiative started by Provost Terry Keller, the Saints were able to expand their GA program, adding a few more positions than last year. The increased support has already translated into noticeable results, as the hard work and commitment of these GA's continue to add tremendous value to Aquinas Athletics.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Terry Keller, Ph.D. shared his perspective on the Graduate Assistant program, saying:

"Graduate Assistants play such a vital role in the overall success of our athletic department. Having high-quality GA's ensures that our student-athletes, coaches, and staff have the support they need to thrive both on and off the field. What excites me most is how these GA's are able to take what they're learning in the classroom and put it directly into practice through their daily work in athletics. That's why it was important for us to reimagine what the GA program could be, and I'm thrilled that we've been able to expand its scope and impact. The dedication, creativity, and energy these GA's bring are already elevating Aquinas Athletics, and I couldn't be more excited about how they're shaping the future of our department."

Athletics Manager of Operations Mary Takas spoke glowingly about the current group of GA's:

"The work our Graduate Assistants do on a day-to-day basis is truly essential. From helping with practices and game operations to supporting the behind-the-scenes details that most people don't see, they keep everything running smoothly. Their reliability and willingness to step in wherever needed makes a huge difference, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them."

Meet the Team

Now it's time to meet these six amazing individuals, sacrificing nights, weekends, and long hours to juggle being both students and vital assets to the athletic department:

Kennadie Minerich
Colorado native Kennadie Minerich, born May 15, 2002, is a Graduate Assistant pursuing her Master of Management after completing a double major in Business Administration and Art. A standout multi-sport athlete, she competed in softball, basketball, and lacrosse in high school before playing lacrosse and rugby at Aquinas. Her athletic career is highlighted by All-Conference honors in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as Second Team All-American recognition in 2023. Academically, Kennadie was a CSC Academic All-American in 2023. Known for her love of sewing and puzzles, Kennadie also brings fun quirks—she's left-handed, can juggle, once rode a dolphin, and has pets including a cat named Hades and a lizard named Lennie. She chose to be a GA to continue her athletic department involvement and further her education, with goals of building a career in a company that values her skills and allows for advancement.

Andrew Briskey
Born January 16, 2002, Andrew Briskey returns to Aquinas as a Graduate Assistant while pursuing his Master of Management. A former two-sport athlete in basketball and lacrosse, he also competed at the NAIA Lacrosse Nationals in Pensacola, Florida during his playing career. Andrew earned his undergraduate degree from Aquinas in Business Administration and Sports Management and chose to continue here because of his deep love for the school and community. Away from campus, he enjoys lifting weights and hiking with his one-year-old golden retriever, Axel. Fun facts about Andrew include his background in boxing, a shoe collection of nearly 100 pairs, and his ongoing project restoring his grandfather's 1994 Dodge Ram 2500. He once faced off against NFL star Aidan Hutchinson in high school lacrosse. Looking ahead, Andrew aspires to work in professional sports, ideally with the Detroit Lions in operations or facilities.

Samuel Jacobs
Samuel Jacobs, born October 18, 2002, is pursuing his graduate degree after earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Sports Management at Aquinas. A basketball player in both high school and college, Sammy was recognized as an Academic All-American in 2024–25 and graduated cum laude. His family has deep Aquinas ties: both parents, Brian and Jill, played basketball for AQ, and multiple siblings have competed as Saints. Sammy's hobbies include spikeball, golf, and even cooking ground beef, with favorite memories ranging from a seventh-grade championship with his father as coach to his family's ongoing AQ legacy. He is known for his playful side—claiming a top-5 world ranking in Angry Birds, petting a grizzly bear, and pulling off backflips. Sammy sees his GA role as an opportunity to learn behind-the-scenes operations, sharpen leadership and communication skills, and build toward a career in sports or business management.

McKalen Jambor
Born January 7, 2001, McKalen Jambor is a Graduate Assistant studying Music Education. Originally from Georgia, McKalen moved to Michigan in 2014 and competed in multiple sports including cheer, tennis, bowling, and e-sports. At Olivet College, McKalen served as a reliable backspot on the cheer team and earned Dean's List recognition. With passions for music and singing—dating back to age six—McKalen is excited to be part of the Aquinas staff, expanding both professional and academic experiences. A fan of Ariana Grande, McKalen dreams of one day opening a music school. Fun facts include being left-handed, competing on three different college sports teams simultaneously, and growing up in Atlanta, GA.

Lillian Houtteman
Graduate Assistant Lillian Houtteman, born May 26, 2004, is pursuing a Master of Management after completing her undergraduate degree in Communication and Psychology. A versatile athlete, she ran cross country and played soccer in high school before joining the Aquinas Cheer and STUNT teams. Her honors include three years on the All-Academic Team (2023–25), a WHAC Champion of Character award in 2025, and consistent Dean's List recognition. Lillian's interests range from running and reading to spending time with friends and family, and her greatest sports memory is competing at Daytona Nationals with her team. She studied abroad in Australia, where she also witnessed Michigan football win a national title. Lillian's fun facts include raising livestock, having two "pet" deer, and showing animals at the county fair. She aspires to continue her career with the State of Michigan as a Children's Services Specialist.

Calvin Willson
Born October 8, 2002, Calvin Willson joins the Graduate Assistant team after earning his B.S. in Business and Sport Management at Aquinas. He is currently pursuing a Master of Management. A swimmer in high school, Calvin remains an avid sports fan and outdoors enthusiast, with hobbies including hiking, attending concerts, and discovering new coffee shops. His favorite sports memory is the Chicago Cubs winning the 2016 World Series. Calvin's family includes his parents and one brother, with whom he shares the same birthday two years apart. Known for his quirky fun facts—like needing 14 stitches as a child, loving oysters, and being a loyal Bears fan—Calvin chose to continue his academic career at Aquinas because of his love for the campus and community. He sees the GA role as a chance to grow professionally in an environment of dedication and teamwork. His long-term goal is to work in corporate sponsorship sales for a professional sports team.

GA's Setting the Bar High

Only Kennadie Minerich is in year two of the GA program. The rest are only at the starting gate. This group of Graduate Assistants is not only contributing in big ways but also gaining valuable experience along the way. They are learning new skills both within their strengths and by stepping outside their comfort zones, preparing themselves for future careers while making an immediate impact at Aquinas.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Damon Bouwkamp shared:

"Our GA's are such an incredible resource for the whole department. They jump in wherever they're needed, help pick up the slack, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. This group has hit the ground running, and the energy and effort they bring every day makes a real difference for our coaches, staff, and student-athletes. They're showing just how valuable GA's can be to the future of Aquinas Athletics."

This year's six Graduate Assistants are raising the standard and showing exactly what it means to wear the Aquinas "A" with pride. Through their hard work, passion, and commitment, they have already become integral to the success of the department and the student-athlete experience. Each brings unique skills and energy, and together they are proving that GA's don't just support—they lead, inspire, and drive the mission of Aquinas Athletics forward. With their example, they are setting the bar high for all future GA's who will follow in their footsteps.