Grand Rapids, Mich. — There are nights you plan, nights you prepare for, and then there are nights that take on a life of their own.

Monday night inside Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center — Coach Bo Court — was the latter.

The second annual "The Nelly's" wasn't just an awards show. It was a celebration, a reunion, a statement, and quite honestly… a moment that felt bigger than one night. More than 500 members of the Aquinas community filled the venue, representing 26 of the 28 Saints programs — with only Women's Rugby and Women's Golf absent due to postseason competition — and what unfolded over the next two hours was something special.

From the opening social hour buzz to the final line — "It's a great day to be a Saint" — the energy never dipped.

And maybe that's the best way to describe it: energy.

"This event… it just has a different feel," said Assistant AD and host of the AQSaints YouTube Network, Joey Sutherlin. "You can feel the pride, the excitement, the connection across every single team. It's one of those nights where you look around and realize — this is what it's all about. This is why we do what we do."

A SHOW THAT LEVELED UP

Year two didn't just build on year one — it elevated it.

For the second straight year, Athletic Director Damon Bouwkamp served as emcee, but this time, it carried a different weight. This was his first Nelly's as the leader of Aquinas Athletics, and it showed in both his presence and his perspective.

"You always hope year two takes a step forward," Bouwkamp said. "But what we saw tonight — the production, the energy, the buy-in from our student-athletes and staff — it exceeded expectations. Last year was special because it was new. This year was special because it's becoming tradition."

That tradition was felt from the very beginning.

The evening opened with Ryan Wendt, Aquinas historian, setting the tone with a powerful look back at AQ Athletics history. Later in the show, Wendt returned to share the stories behind the Baker and Brogger Awards, grounding the night's biggest honors in legacy and meaning.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SAINTS

At 6:38 PM, the AQSaints YouTube Network went live, bringing the show to viewers everywhere — a major evolution from year one.

Produced and directed by Kennadie Minerich and Calvin Willson, the broadcast added another layer to the night, allowing family, alumni, and fans to be part of the experience from afar.

"Just seeing how far this has come in one year is incredible," said Women's Volleyball Head Coach Ryan Campbell. "The production, the organization, the way it connects everyone — not just here, but people watching at home — it's something our student-athletes deserve. It makes them feel valued, and that matters."

THE MOMENTS THAT MADE THE NIGHT

Across four segments, 22 awards were presented — each one telling a story of excellence, resilience, and unforgettable moments from the 2025-26 athletic year.

From Kayla Shuk's historic career, to Evan Bennett's All-American finish, to Men's Lacrosse continuing to build a national contender — the night reflected the full spectrum of Aquinas excellence.

There were team triumphs — Women's Volleyball's undefeated conference dominance and Men's Lacrosse's rise to No. 3 in the country.

There were defining moments — Men's Swim & Dive capturing a historic first KCAC Championship, and the upset of the year as Men's Lacrosse knocked off No. 2 Cumberlands.

And yes, there were unforgettable moments — including the now-infamous live-stream soccer ball incident that brought laughter to the entire room and reminded everyone of the personality that makes AQ special.

"Events like this mean everything," said two-sport student-athlete Charlie Anderson. "You look around and see every team, every coach, all supporting each other — that doesn't happen everywhere. I'm just really thankful to be at a place that cares this much about the student-athlete experience."

HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE FUTURE

Midway through the evening, the Aquinas Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was officially unveiled, recognizing legends who helped shape the department into what it is today.

The class included:

• The 1999 & 2000 Men's Soccer Teams
• Katie Dahnke (VanderMeer) — Women's Volleyball
• Sean Fischbach — Men's Soccer
• Dave Wood — Track & Field
• Linda Nash — Women's Basketball

THE FINAL HONORS

Fittingly, the night's most prestigious awards were presented by Aquinas College President Sister Maureen Geary, bringing a powerful close to the awards portion of the evening.

The Baker Award and the Brogger Award — two of the most significant honors in Aquinas Athletics — were handed out with the full weight of tradition and excellence behind them, celebrating the very best of what it means to be a Saint in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.

A MOMENT FOR THE SENIORS

Following those final honors, the focus turned to the graduating student-athletes.

Each senior was presented with a stole — a symbol of their journey, their commitment, and their lasting impact on Aquinas Athletics — one they will proudly wear at graduation.

It was a powerful closing moment. A reminder that beyond the awards and recognition, the true legacy of Aquinas Athletics is its people.

MORE THAN AN AWARDS SHOW

By the time the final words were spoken, it was clear:

The Nelly's is no longer just an event.

It's a cornerstone.

A night where Aquinas Athletics pauses, reflects, celebrates — and then looks ahead.

And if year two was any indication, the best is still coming.

WATCH, SEE, AND RELIVE THE NIGHT

Watch the full replay on the AQSaints YouTube Network: [CLICK HERE]

View the full photo gallery (courtesy of Grace Malec & graceinsports): [CLICK HERE]

Here is the complete list of winners:
 

SAINTS FANS – LET THESE FACTS SINK IN

More than 500 people.
22 awards.
26 teams represented.
One unforgettable night.

It's a great day to be a Saint.