Bella here with your weekly athletics recap. Grace Christian University’s teams have been making waves, and we’ve got all the updates you need! From Nationals to standout performances and upcoming matchups, here’s a look at the exciting accomplishments and future plans for Grace athletics.
Men’s Soccer Season Recap and Player Honors
Our men’s soccer team just wrapped up an incredible season with plenty to celebrate!
- Nationals Recap: The Tigers headed to Kissimmee, Florida, as the #4 seed in the NCCAA National Tournament. They kicked things off with a commanding 3-1 victory over Kansas Christian College. Although they faced tough losses against Randall University and top-seeded Bob Jones University, the team’s hard work and determination shone throughout. Goalkeeper Aidan Gansert stood out with six impressive saves in both games.
- Season Highlights: The Tigers finished the season with an 11-8-3 record and secured their third straight Regional Championship.
- Player Honors:
- Senior Camden Bierling was named Midwest Region Player of the Year for the second year in a row.
- Nathan Davis received the prestigious Kyle Rote Jr. Award for leadership, faith, and athletic excellence.
With eight seniors graduating, the team will feel their absence, but with strong returning players and a promising 2025 recruiting class, the Tigers are ready to keep the momentum going!
Women’s Volleyball Season Recap and Milestones
The women’s volleyball team capped off an amazing season with a trip to Nationals, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.
- Nationals Recap: Competing as the #8 seed in Joplin, Missouri, the Tigers gave top-seeded Randall University a tough match, pushing the game to four sets before falling 1-3. They also faced Bob Jones University and Manhattan Christian College, with senior Morgan Martin leading in kills and setter Lily Hulst commanding the offense.
- Season Highlights: The team ended with a 17-13 record and celebrated back-to-back Regional Championships.
- Player Milestones:
- Morgan Martin hit career milestones, surpassing 1,000 kills and digs, earning her the title of Midwest Regional Player of the Year.
- Lily Hulst achieved over 1,000 career assists, solidifying her role as a key playmaker.
With five seniors graduating, the Tigers will rebuild, but their future remains bright.
Cross Country Season Wrap-Up
Our cross country teams closed out their season with notable performances at the NCCAA National Championships in Warsaw, Indiana.
- Women’s Team Highlights: Senior Alyssa Gennety and junior Maty Temrowski led the charge, finishing 16th and 19th in the 5k race. Their teamwork and dedication were pivotal all season.
- Men’s Team Highlights: Senior Kent Herring and freshman Ian Hinkle delivered impressive results in the 8k race. Hinkle achieved a personal best of 31:15, finishing 30th, with Herring close behind at 35th place with a time of 31:25.
Head coach Gerry Verwey praised the team’s resilience and focus on honoring God through their efforts. With cross country wrapped up, the Tigers now set their sights on the 2025 Indoor Track & Field season.
Looking Ahead
It’s been a remarkable season across all our teams. From championships to exciting upcoming matches, Grace Christian athletics continues to represent excellence on and off the field.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, Go Tigers!
