Grand Rapids, Mich. — Some nights are about wins. Some nights are about banners. And some nights become something even bigger — a celebration of the people, personalities, moments, and memories that made an entire year of Aquinas Athletics unforgettable.

That is exactly what The Nelly's has already become.

Now entering just its second year, what began as a bold new idea has quickly grown into one of the signature nights on the AQ Athletics calendar, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and the entire Saints family for an unforgettable evening on Coach Bo Court inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center.

But before the lights come up on awards night, the AQ community still has one important job left:

Vote. And vote now.

Click here to vote now for The Nelly's 2026.

Community voting for The Nelly's 2026 is officially underway and remains open until Sunday afternoon, April 19, giving Saints fans one final chance to help decide who will hear their name called on Monday, April 27.

Mark Your Calendar

The Nelly's 2026 will take place on Monday, April 27, with a social gathering featuring drinks and light hors d'oeuvres beginning at 6:30 p.m. The awards presentation will follow from 7:00–9:00 p.m., as Aquinas honors the achievements, personalities, stories, and successes that defined the 2025-26 athletic year.

The in-person event is exclusive to Aquinas student-athletes, Aquinas Athletic Department staff, and Aquinas College staff, making it a truly special night for the people who live the AQ experience every day. Fortunately, the celebration will once again be streamed live on the AQSaints YouTube Network, allowing the broader Saints family, alumni, parents, and supporters to still be part of one of the most anticipated nights of the year.

Why The Nelly's Matters

Returning as master of ceremonies is Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Damon Bouwkamp, who says the event has already taken on a special meaning for the department.

"The first Nelly's showed us just how much this means to our student-athletes and our community," Bouwkamp said. "Now in year two, it already feels like one of those nights that belongs to Aquinas. Our student-athletes pour so much into representing this department, and this is their chance to be celebrated in a way that matches the impact they've made."

That same energy is shared by Assistant AD and Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin, who calls The Nelly's his favorite event of the year.

"This is honestly my favorite night we do all year," Sutherlin said. "There are so many long days, late nights, road trips, broadcasts, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments that go into an athletic year. Then The Nelly's arrives, and suddenly all of it comes together in one room. Seeing our student-athletes, coaches, and staff celebrated like this makes every ounce of the work worth it."

For Sports Information Director Kennadie Minerich, the evening carries a uniquely personal perspective.

"It's incredibly special for me because I now get to experience this from both sides," Minerich said. "Not long ago I was a student-athlete living these moments, and now I get to help tell these stories as part of our athletic communications team. That makes The Nelly's feel even more meaningful because it celebrates the full student-athlete journey and everything that makes AQ Athletics so special."

The Final Push to Vote

The awards span the full Aquinas Athletics experience, honoring everything from breakthrough performances and comeback stories to unforgettable plays, community service, team culture, and the personalities that gave the year its heartbeat.

And now, with the voting deadline rapidly approaching, the message to the AQ community is simple:

Do not wait until the final buzzer.
Make your voice heard before Sunday afternoon, April 19.

This is your chance to help shape the night, celebrate the stories of the year, and make sure the right names are called when The Nelly's takes center stage.

Join Us on Awards Night

Then join the Saints family — in person or on the AQSaints YouTube Network — on April 27 as AQ celebrates the people and moments that made this year unforgettable.

Because some traditions don't take long to feel like they've always belonged.

Kind of reminds you of why every day is a great day to be a Saint.