Grand Rapids, Mich. — Success at Aquinas is not limited to competition days. This spring, Aquinas College student-athletes once again proved their excellence extends far beyond the field, court, track, and course as 79 Saints earned recognition as NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes and Academic All-Americans.
Each semester, the NAIA Scholar-Athlete list celebrates student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and attend their institution for at least one full year.
Across the NAIA, the largest groups of scholar-athletes came from baseball, women's track and field, men's track and field, and softball, a trend reflected strongly at Aquinas. Leading the way for the Saints was men's track and field with 22 honorees, followed closely by baseball with 20 selections. In total, Aquinas had student-athletes represented across all nine spring sports programs.
Academic Excellence Defined: 11 Saints Achieve Perfect 4.0 GPAs
Among the 79 honorees, 4 Saints achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, showcasing an elite level of dedication in the classroom while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics. Those student-athletes include Anthony Lalomia (MGolf), Stephen Weinert (Baseball), Carson Lafferty (MTrack), and Jack Phillips (MTrack).
Several additional Saints were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements across their respective sports.
Men's Volleyball
The Aquinas men's volleyball team demonstrated excellence away from competition as Dominic Nelson, Ryden Luedtke, Andrew Jones, Jonathan Collins, Colin Ilagan, and Zachary Nosky earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition. Their success in the classroom reflected the discipline as they balanced demanding schedules with strong academic performances.
Women's Golf
Jayda Kerns, Elizabeth Christian, and Zoey Quinn represented the women's golf team among this year's academic honorees. The trio helped continue the tradition of success within the program, proving their dedication extended far beyond tournament play and into the classroom.
Men's Golf
Alex Johnson and Anthony Lalomia earned recognition for the Aquinas men's golf team, highlighting the program's commitment to academic achievement alongside athletic development. Their work in the classroom mirrored the focus and preparation required throughout the golf season.
Softball
The Aquinas softball program once again showcased its strong culture of academic excellence with Mallory Buikema, Katie Carlson, Abby Nieswender, Ada Bradford, Karigann Cuthbert, Sydney Bosgraaf, and Meagan Postma earning honors. The Saints balanced a competitive spring schedule while continuing to excel academically, adding another accomplishment to an already successful year for the program.
Baseball
Baseball finished with one of the highest totals on campus with 20 NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Brendan Burch, Austin Deller, Kaden Edwards, Landon Mueller, Dylan Nguyen, Christopher Steffan, and Calvin Tkaczyk were among those recognized. Their accomplishments reflected the dedication required to manage one of the longest and most demanding seasons while maintaining high academic standards.
Men's Lacrosse
Dylan Giard, Blake Syzmanski, Christopher Russell, Evan Doan, Jacob Halaas, Oliver Modderman, and TJ Murph highlighted a strong academic showing for Aquinas men's lacrosse. The group demonstrated the program's continued emphasis on growth both on the field and in the classroom throughout the spring season.
Women's Lacrosse
Vanessa Bailey, and Lorelei Weinrick represented Aquinas women's lacrosse on the list of honorees. Despite the challenges of a demanding season, the Saints continued to prioritize academic success and earned recognition for their hard work throughout the year.
Women's Track and Field
Women's track and field once again produced an impressive group of scholar-athletes, including Katrina Amrhein, Ella Koons, Madison Rempaski, Lindsey Strutz, Kariesue Taghon, and Jayden Turner. Competing across numerous events throughout the spring, the team continued to excel academically while representing Aquinas at a high level in competition.
Men's Track and Field
Leading all Aquinas programs with 22 scholar-athletes, the men's track and field team reinforced its reputation for excellence in every aspect of the student-athlete experience. Jaben Bakker, Isaac Boire, Casey Burke, Brian Langlois, Bonfils Matenga, Tennessee Miller, Mitchell Smith, and Austin Williford were among the many Saints honored for their academic achievements during another strong season for the program.
Saints Excellence Extends Beyond Competition Into the Classroom
The continued success of Aquinas student-athletes in the classroom reflects the culture built across Saints athletics — one centered on discipline, leadership, and excellence in every area. From national competition to academic achievement, the Saints continue to represent Aquinas College at the highest level.
Athletic department leaders and coaches praised the commitment shown by Aquinas student-athletes throughout the academic year, emphasizing the discipline and balance required to succeed both in competition and in the classroom.
"Excited to hear of the recognition of our Spring Scholar Athletes. I appreciate their dedication to the true meaning of being a student athlete at Aquinas. It takes a dedicated effort and making priorities to be a student athlete, I appreciate all of our students that keep this in its proper perspective. Well done Saints!!" said Academic Success Coordinator Dan Zang.
"I continue to be impressed by the effort and commitment our guys put into being outstanding students in the classroom" said head baseball coach Chris LaMange. "Very few teams anywhere can show 20 NAIA scholar athletes on one team - and it's even more impressive, considering how hectic our schedule is in the spring with the amount we have to travel to play a full season in the north. Very proud that AQ Baseball players continue to be leaders in the classroom."
