GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Each month during the academic year, Aquinas College Athletic Communications celebrates the performances, personalities, and people who make Saints Athletics special by naming the Saints of the Month. For February 2026, the honorees represent excellence in competition, leadership in the locker room, and unmatched support from the stands.
This month's Saints of the Month include Emily Cline of Women's Basketball as the Female Saint of the Month, Xavier Erickson of Men's Hockey as the Male Saint of the Month, and longtime Aquinas supporter Professor Kevin Cantley as the Saint Support Superstar.
Together, they tell a story that goes far beyond box scores — one rooted in commitment, culture, and community.
Female Saint of the Month — Emily Cline (Women's Basketball)
Leadership shows up in many forms, and for Aquinas senior Emily Cline, it shows up every night in effort, toughness, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates.
A redshirt senior from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Cline has been playing basketball since the age of eight and brings a veteran presence that steadies the Saints on and off the floor. A Business Administration major with a concentration in Sports Management, she is the definition of a student-athlete who understands both the game and the bigger picture.
Throughout January, Cline delivered consistent production while doing much of the gritty work that doesn't always make the highlight reel. She posted multiple double-digit rebounding performances, including dominant efforts against Lawrence Tech, Cornerstone, Indiana Tech, and Northwestern Ohio. Her 18-point, 13-rebound night against Cornerstone highlighted her ability to control the paint, while her all-around effort against Lawrence Tech — 12 points, 10 rebounds, five assists — showcased just how versatile her impact can be.
Beyond the numbers, Cline is a culture-setter. She chose Aquinas for the campus community, her teammates, and her love for the outdoors — a fitting choice for someone who describes herself as grounded, outdoorsy, and team-oriented. A country-music fan with dreams of one day moving to Montana, she brings that same calm, steady energy to the court.
Head Coach Brian Morris says that combination of production and presence is exactly why Cline stood out.
"Emily does so many things that don't always show up in the box score, but they show up in wins," Coach Morris said. "She competes, she rebounds, she defends, and most importantly, she leads. Our younger players follow her example, and our team is better every time she's on the floor. She represents what we want Aquinas basketball to be about."
Male Saint of the Month — Xavier Erickson (Men's Hockey)
Few players in Aquinas Men's Hockey history have left their mark offensively quite like Xavier Erickson, and February was another chapter in what has already been a record-setting Saints career.
A native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Erickson is a psychology major who combines elite offensive instincts with a relentless competitive drive. A multi-time All-State honoree in high school, he has continued that success at Aquinas, earning Second Team All-Conference honors and setting the program's single-season goal record.
During the heart of the season, Erickson was at his best. He posted multiple multi-goal games, including a three-goal, five-point performance against Rochester Christian, and consistently delivered in big moments against conference and regional opponents. His ability to generate offense, apply pressure, and create opportunities for his linemates has made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the Saints lineup.
Despite the individual accolades, Erickson is quick to credit those around him. He often points to his teammates for making Aquinas feel like home and says the pursuit of a winning season is what continues to drive him.
When he's not on the ice, Erickson enjoys golfing and watching Interstellar — fitting for a player who seems to thrive in big moments.
Head Coach Brandon Rozema says Erickson's value goes well beyond the stat sheet.
"Xavier is a difference-maker," Rozema said. "He brings a competitive edge every single day, and he's earned the respect of his teammates through his work ethic and his production. He wants to win, he pushes the people around him, and he understands what it means to wear the Aquinas jersey. That's why this recognition is so deserved."
Saint Support Superstar — Professor Kevin Cantley
Some Saints make their impact on the court or the ice. Others make it felt in every corner of the Aquinas community.
For February, Professor Kevin Cantley has been named the Saint Support Superstar, an honor recognizing his unwavering commitment to Aquinas student-athletes, coaches, and the spirit of Saints Athletics.
If you've attended a game at the Sturrus Center, chances are you've seen him. Cheering from the stands. Talking with coaches. Encouraging players. Offering thoughtful feedback on Athletic Communications stories. And, as many have noticed, enthusiastically walking the bleachers mid-game.
Professor Cantley's support goes far beyond showing up — it's personal, genuine, and constant.
According to Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin, that presence was felt immediately.
"When I started working here, he immediately helped make me feel welcomed, but also — by example — showed me how important it is to support, encourage, and be there for our student-athletes," Sutherlin said. "True story: he knew I wanted an Aquinas tie and couldn't find one. After the first Nelly's, he gave me his tie. I became a fan of his for life."
Beyond athletics, Professor Cantley brings an impressive professional background to Aquinas College. He teaches financial, managerial, and cost accounting, along with auditing and accounting technology. He spent 17 years in public accounting, preparing tax returns and performing audits and assurance services, and also taught accounting at Cleary University for eight years.
His service extends into the community as well, having served on the boards of Chamber Music Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Ronald McDonald House. He is also a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.
Together, his professional excellence, community service, and heartfelt support of Saints Athletics embody what it truly means to be a Saint.
Final Thoughts
From leadership in the paint, to goals that shift momentum on the ice, to the unmistakable presence of a supporter who bleeds Saints pride, this month's honorees represent the full heartbeat of Aquinas Athletics.
Emily Cline, Xavier Erickson, and Professor Kevin Cantley remind us that success is built through consistency, connection, and a willingness to show up for one another — whether that's in the huddle, on the ice, or in the stands.
Want to be part of the celebration? Help us recognize the next Saint of the Month or Saint Support Superstar by nominating a deserving candidate. Nominations can be sent to Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin at sutherlinj@aquinas.edu, or by completing the Saint of the Month Nominee Form.
The next honorees of the 2025–26 season will be announced on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Until then, we'll keep celebrating the people who make it — every single day — a great day to be a Saint.
