Grand Rapids, Mich. – With more than 30 athletic programs and a commitment to continual growth across every aspect of Aquinas Athletics, the Saints are reinvesting in one of the most vital roles in collegiate sports: the Sports Information Director (SID). As the landscape of athletics continues to evolve — from digital storytelling and social media to live streaming and real-time reporting — Aquinas College is proud to announce the return of a position that has long been instrumental to the department's success.
The Aquinas Athletic Department has selected a familiar and deserving face to fill that role, as Kennadie Minerich has accepted the position of Sports Information Director. A former two-sport student-athlete, graduate assistant, and deeply trusted member of the department, Minerich brings both institutional knowledge and a deep personal connection to Aquinas into the role.
A Role Rooted in Growth and Connection
For Minerich, the opportunity represents more than a job — it is the continuation of a journey that began when she first arrived on campus as a student-athlete.
"Aquinas truly means the world to me," Minerich said. "It has given me countless opportunities to grow, not only as an individual and as a student, but now as a professional. Being able to work for the institution that has invested so deeply in my personal and professional development is incredibly meaningful, and I am so blessed that I get to continue calling Aquinas home."
Finding Home at Aquinas
Originally from Colorado, Minerich was recruited to play women's lacrosse at Aquinas and quickly found more than just a team — she found a community.
"When I made the decision to come to Aquinas for both school and athletics, it truly was a no-brainer," Minerich said. "I was first drawn in by the beauty of campus, but I fell in love with the culture. Everyone was so kind and welcoming that I never really felt homesick, and I'm incredibly grateful for the life I've built here."
A Program-Changing Student-Athlete
On the field, Minerich was a difference-maker from day one. She earned WHAC All-Conference Second Team honors twice, set Aquinas' all-time records for points (275) and assists (108) — marks she still holds — and ranked among conference leaders throughout her career.
Her résumé includes five WHAC Offensive Player of the Week honors, NAIA National Player of the Week recognition in April of 2023, and selection as an AQSaints.com Female Saint of the Week. In the classroom, Minerich was equally impressive, earning CSC Academic All-District honors, three WHAC Conference Scholar Athlete awards, and three NAIA National Scholar Athlete distinctions.
From Student-Athlete to Athletic Communications Leader
After completing her undergraduate degree in Art and Business Administration, Minerich continued her education at Aquinas while serving as a Graduate Assistant in Athletic Communications, earning her Master of Management degree in Fall 2025.
During that time, she worked closely with Cam Harper and later Joey Sutherlin, quickly becoming an essential part of the department's day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities included maintaining AQSaints.com, managing live statistics, assisting with game-day operations, overseeing livestreams, coordinating athletic photography, managing social media for all Aquinas athletic programs, and serving as a liaison between local media and the department.
Minerich also gained valuable experience beyond Aquinas, working statistics for the Grand Rapids Gold and the West Michigan Whitecaps, further strengthening her professional foundation.
Giving Back to What Gave So Much
What Minerich hopes to accomplish as SID is deeply personal.
"I want to positively impact current student-athletes the same way Aquinas impacted me," she said. "I want to give back to the programs that shaped my experience, build meaningful connections, and help create an environment where every athlete feels supported and valued. Most importantly, I hope to make others feel the same sense of belonging that I did."
"We've lassoed a shooting star, and I'm thrilled that Aquinas gets to be part of her journey moving forward."
— Joey Sutherlin, Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Athletic Communications
Trusted by Coaches, Valued by the Department
That trust in Minerich extends across the department.
"Kennadie joined our program during my first year of coaching, and from the beginning she stood out for her eagerness to learn and willingness to step into new challenges," said Women's Rugby Head Coach Dani Harris. "She communicates well, stays organized, and represents our program with professionalism. I'm excited to continue working with her as she stays a Saint."
Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Peter Treppa echoed those sentiments.
"Kennadie was a program-changing player for our women's lacrosse team, and her impact went far beyond the stat sheet," Treppa said. "Those same qualities carried over into her role as a graduate assistant. She does an incredible job highlighting our programs and our student-athletes, and Aquinas is extremely lucky to have her in this role."
Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin emphasized the significance of the hire.
"Kennadie has meant so much to our department, and seeing her earn this opportunity is incredibly special," Sutherlin said. "She brings energy, creativity, and professionalism into everything she does. We've lassoed a shooting star, and I'm thrilled that Aquinas gets to be part of her journey moving forward."
A Full-Circle Moment for Aquinas Leadership
Aquinas Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Damon Bouwkamp brings a unique perspective to the hire, having once served as Aquinas' SID himself.
"Having sat in the SID chair, I understand how foundational that role is at the beginning of a career in collegiate athletics," Bouwkamp said. "The SID position teaches you how every part of an athletic department fits together. Kennadie already understands that responsibility, and we are excited about the impact she will have on Aquinas Athletics."
From the academic side, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Terry Keller praised Minerich's growth and alignment with the institution's values.
"Having watched Kennadie grow as a student-athlete and graduate assistant, it is incredibly rewarding to see her begin her career here at Aquinas," Keller said. "She embodies the values of our institution, and we are proud to support her as she takes this next step."
Continuing the Mission
At the NAIA level, the Sports Information Director role is demanding and wide-ranging, requiring a balance of storytelling, compliance, promotion, and game-day execution. SIDs serve as the bridge between athletics, media, and the public — often working nights and weekends to ensure every program receives equal visibility and support.
For Aquinas, the return of this position underscores a commitment to excellence not only in competition, but in communication and connection.
The Aquinas Athletic Department is honored to welcome Kennadie Minerich as its new Sports Information Director. She will officially begin her role on Monday, January 26, 2026, continuing a journey that reflects both the strength of Aquinas Athletics and the power of investing in people who believe in the mission.
For Kennadie Minerich, no statement is truer, 'It's always a great day to be a Saint.'
